Firstly, forgive me if I sound ridiculously scientific and analytical in this post - I attribute it to the fact that I'm reading a neurologically-focused book that talks about how people's hearing and perceptions of music are affected by changes in/damage to the brain.
As a result, this isn't your typical album review, but more an analysis of each of the songs on the album, and my attempt at explaining the images and emotions I feel when I hear each track.
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Musicians listen to and admire the craftsmanship of other musicians all the time, and it's only natural that one artist will remind you of another, and vice versa, etc. So when I listen to the Paul Winn Band's latest album I'm reminded of the truth behind the album's title, "Nothing's New". I feel that the overall style of this recording is inspired by Sting, the rhythms are influenced by the Dave Matthews Band, and there are certain musical passages that evoke memories of John Mayer's blues performances. Ironically, it's the unique combination of these factors that help establish the original sound that is the Paul Winn Band.
Strangely enough, during my initial listening of the album Paul's voice also reminded me a bit of Pearl Jam. My boyfriend summarised my comments as "Pearl Jam, without Eddie Vedder". But now that I've listened to the album many times, I don't really feel the Pearl Jam link anymore. (An aside: I love how music transforms in your brain even though the recording itself hasn't changed! It's so fascinating and keeps the music feeling fresh.)
I really enjoy the album as a whole, but I have some distinct favourites, and I've marked them with **. Going through the tracklisting..
"The phone dried up but nothing's new / I took a chance, a bet with you / Don't say those words I've heard before / They only make me want you more.."
Nothing's New** is a catchy song that generates a sense of anticipation for the rest of the album. I love how the upbeat, staccato beats of the verse slide easily into a flowing melody that rings out during the chorus. Having listened to the album a few times now I think this is my standout favourite!
"What in the world did I do / To make you go insane.."
I totally dig the percussive phrases in Take It Back**! 'Phrases' is not the word I'm looking for, but it'll have to do for now. During this song my boyfriend asked me whether Paul is a fan of the Dave Matthews Band - and my boyfriend barely listens to DMB, so it must sound as though it's heavily influenced by DMB. I mention this because I'm so used to DMB's sound that I don't notice if somebody else sounds like them. Upon reflection, this is possibly one of the reasons why I like the Paul Winn Band so much ;)
"Then you came and I saw you / The glare's in my eyes, but I don't care.."
Then You Came** is a lovely 'rock ballad' (I use the term tenatively because I hate genre-categorising) that opens up to a sweeping soundscape in the chorus.. I would love to fall asleep listening to this song. Not much else to say because I'm too caught up in the music's beauty.
Lamington
Firstly, the song reminds me of Paul's previous self-titled album (particularly the song "Sinking Down"); and secondly, it reminds me of Sting. It's not that it sounds the same, but more that it conjures up a similar image in my mind, like when I listen to one of Sting's songs. I can't remember the tune, but I think it's to do with dock workers, because I hear the song and I see a misty British morning, workers down at the docks, not many people about, and the sound of the waves gently slapping against the walls..
"Strawberry romance.. a bed of chocolate, full of lust.."
Expiry Date is a fun upbeat track, and I especially love the sudden melody jump halfway through this song. It transports you to a different state of mind, a temporary musical anti-gravity.. and then the chorus brings you back into the song with a renewed energy.
Sleeping Satellite
Great cover of the original! Not sure who the original artists are unfortunately, but I do recognise the song. (Update: the original was sung by Tasmin Archer.) The coolest part of this cover is the guitar at "..the dream that died with the eagle's flight" - definitely an air guitar moment! And the guitar solo, which uses the same 'rough and dirty guitar' effect to add extra bite to the sound.
Rescue Me**
I love, love, LOVE how the song slowly turns and turns again in a lost-love waltz across an empty room of nostalgia and vintage sounds. As the song progresses, the strings that yawn their way into the music subtly hint at a sound reminiscent of Damien Rice, and the bartender reference is (to me) a strong reminder of a Dave Matthews Band song titled - wait for it - "Bartender". Apart from that one line, the evocative and mysterious nature of Rescue Me has me totally hooked.
Trouble Is
The Middle-Eastern flavour towards the end of the track is what really seals it for me on this one. Reminds me of Sting's "Desert Rose" and DMB's "The Last Stop".
Long Way Home**
I hear the first couple of seconds and I can't help but sigh "Ohhh yeahhhh...!" Long Way Home is a really funky track with the kind of groove that will have you tapping your foot or nodding your head (or both!) along with the beat. Strangely, it feels like Jimi Hendrix meets Red Hot Chili Peppers meets Eric Clapton & BB King!
Those Days
The guitar in this song, when it rings out between the verse/chorus, reminds me a little of John Mayer during his Contiuum album phase. I dig the Metallica(?)-style rock interlude halfway through, and the way the strings add an extra flavour to the chorus.
"Taylor sits drawing as her friends play out in the street.. She's mapping out her future in crayons and HB.."
Previously featured on Paul's earlier self-titled album, the band plays a different version of Taylor on this recording. The song has a very Mayer-eqsue bluesy swing to it (especially in the intro), and it also reminds me of The Badloves "Memphis" (I think it's because of the organ in the background, which I love!). This is a really nice take two, and a loving finish to the album.
All in all, "Nothing's New" is a great album by Paul Winn Band, well-presented both musically and visually, and definitely worth listening to!
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Available for digital purchase on iTunes; or if you're like me and you enjoy holding the cd in your hands, visit their MySpace page for details on buying the physical album. I highly recommend it, as the album art is really great (kudos to the artist/s)!
Showing posts with label reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reviews. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Sunday, July 27, 2008
vive la revolucion
Just watched The Motorcycle Diaries. What a fantastic film!
It's not just the story behind the name that makes this film a pleasure to watch. Gael Garcia Bernal and Rodrigo de la Serna compliment each other so very well as Ernesto Guevara and Alberto Granado. Their acting is such that I begin to believe they are the real 'Fuser' and 'Mial'; that the film is historically accurate, and that everything in the film actually happened.
Of course, being a film, there is an element of creative license. But being based on a book written by the Guevara, and considering the passion of the director and producers behind the film, The Motorcycle Diaries is a great fusion of fictional and documentary storytelling.
Gael Garcia Bernal's performance as Ernesto Guevara is fantastic. I had trouble sitting still during the scenes where Guevara experiences severe difficulty in breathing, because of his asthma, such was the realistic delivery of Garcia Bernal. His impassioned gaze also adds to the portrayal of Guevara, as you can see in his eyes the depth of the emotion he feels while travelling throughout South America.
Having said that, Rodrigo de la Serna cannot go unmentioned, as I thoroughly enjoyed his performance as a supporting actor to Garcia Bernal. I probably shouldn't even be calling him a supporting actor, since his character Alberto Granado is the one who takes Guevara on the now-famous motorcycle trip. His quick-thinking, bullshitting ways are well juxtaposed against Guevara's honesty, but you still love him because he's always there for Fuser when he's down or in need. A true friend, as womanizing as he may be.
The soundtrack is also well-crafted, and suits the atmosphere of the tale extremely well in my opinion. Gustavo Santaolalla is the brain behind the soundtrack, and he's done such a wonderful job. Haunting melodies and recurring themes bring an extra dimension of depth to the movie experience.
Definitely looking to buy the album, DVD, and book. The Motorcycle Diaries has become an immediate favourite.
It's not just the story behind the name that makes this film a pleasure to watch. Gael Garcia Bernal and Rodrigo de la Serna compliment each other so very well as Ernesto Guevara and Alberto Granado. Their acting is such that I begin to believe they are the real 'Fuser' and 'Mial'; that the film is historically accurate, and that everything in the film actually happened.
Of course, being a film, there is an element of creative license. But being based on a book written by the Guevara, and considering the passion of the director and producers behind the film, The Motorcycle Diaries is a great fusion of fictional and documentary storytelling.
Gael Garcia Bernal's performance as Ernesto Guevara is fantastic. I had trouble sitting still during the scenes where Guevara experiences severe difficulty in breathing, because of his asthma, such was the realistic delivery of Garcia Bernal. His impassioned gaze also adds to the portrayal of Guevara, as you can see in his eyes the depth of the emotion he feels while travelling throughout South America.
Having said that, Rodrigo de la Serna cannot go unmentioned, as I thoroughly enjoyed his performance as a supporting actor to Garcia Bernal. I probably shouldn't even be calling him a supporting actor, since his character Alberto Granado is the one who takes Guevara on the now-famous motorcycle trip. His quick-thinking, bullshitting ways are well juxtaposed against Guevara's honesty, but you still love him because he's always there for Fuser when he's down or in need. A true friend, as womanizing as he may be.
The soundtrack is also well-crafted, and suits the atmosphere of the tale extremely well in my opinion. Gustavo Santaolalla is the brain behind the soundtrack, and he's done such a wonderful job. Haunting melodies and recurring themes bring an extra dimension of depth to the movie experience.
Definitely looking to buy the album, DVD, and book. The Motorcycle Diaries has become an immediate favourite.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
beautiful creativity
The Science of Sleep is a beautiful movie. Magical. I'm not sure if it was meant to be a comedy - the actors seem to speak about the humorous nature of the film - but there were moments in this film where I cried tears of emotion, not of laughter. I'm glad I watched it by myself. It reached into me in a way it could have done only when I was alone. I was enchanted by it. I still am.
It is so easy to fall in love with Stephane's innocence and absurdity, and Stephanie's understanding and generosity - Gael Garcia Bernal and Charlotte Gainsbourg make an excellent pair in this film. Not to mention their looks are enchanting also.
Earlier in the evening I turned off my phone because I was exhausted, and I also didn't want to be contacted during the movie. Of course I turned the phone on numerous times towards the end. Unfortunately I received a text message at the wrong time, and all I felt was pain. The movie had me hurting enough as it was; he went and made it worse. So I cried some more.
Luckily there are extras on this DVD; they've got me feeling better and it looks like I won't be crying myself to sleep tonight as I originally thought.
The film made me realise again, I love hearing the French language. I like that I can only understand a word here and a word there. I'm in love with the sound.
The Science of Sleep moved me like Amelie moved me, but in a different way. If that makes sense. I have discovered a new favourite.
It is so easy to fall in love with Stephane's innocence and absurdity, and Stephanie's understanding and generosity - Gael Garcia Bernal and Charlotte Gainsbourg make an excellent pair in this film. Not to mention their looks are enchanting also.
Earlier in the evening I turned off my phone because I was exhausted, and I also didn't want to be contacted during the movie. Of course I turned the phone on numerous times towards the end. Unfortunately I received a text message at the wrong time, and all I felt was pain. The movie had me hurting enough as it was; he went and made it worse. So I cried some more.
Luckily there are extras on this DVD; they've got me feeling better and it looks like I won't be crying myself to sleep tonight as I originally thought.
The film made me realise again, I love hearing the French language. I like that I can only understand a word here and a word there. I'm in love with the sound.
The Science of Sleep moved me like Amelie moved me, but in a different way. If that makes sense. I have discovered a new favourite.
Monday, October 1, 2007
a soulful groove
Born in Germany, to a Nigerian father and a gypsy mother. Her name means "joy" in Yoruba (an African language), and her nomadic nature has led her to live somewhere between Paris and New York.
Ayo is, by nature, quite unique.
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From what I can remember, I randomly came across this artist in a JB Hi-Fi music magazine. I read the blurb and saw the album cover, and knew I wanted to listen to it. The album was eventually bought for me as a surprise present, which was a nice surprise indeed. :)
I think I was initially surprised by the songs - what I was hearing was not really what I'd expected. But I've grown to love the sound that is Ayo. She sings with a certain raw emotion - I would say it's a by-product of the troubles and hardships she's faced throughout her life thus far (read her biography here) - and musically, it's great to listen to.
If I needed to categorise her music into a genre for somebody.. I don't know what I would call it. Perhaps a soulful groove, as the title of this post suggests?
Ayo is primarily Caribbean/reggae-style rhythms, but she also includes a harmonica, an accordion and what I think is jazz organ (Hammond B-3, it says in the album booklet) in her songs. And whatever the percussion instrument is (no, not the drum kit), its got that awesome "guun, guun" sound to it which I love so much.
Stand-out tracks:
#1. Down On My Knees "Do you really think / She can love you more than me / Do you really, really think so?"
A quick, slick percussion intro leads into the song and the album that is Ayo. This song exemplifies her raw expression, and it packs a punch.
#3. Letter By Letter I wish I could read you like a book, letter by letter.."
This is one of the more pop-ish songs on the album, in my opinion. The harmonica makes an appearance on this track during the interludes, and I think it gives the song an extra edge.
#5. And It's Supposed To Be Love "Body slam you to the ground / Messaging a chill / Curses make the head go 'round / Brings a certain thrill.."
The upbeat, slightly Caribbean rhythm and the soft & gentle vocals belie the lyrical content of the song, as Ayo sings about the irony of love in a scene of domestic violence.
#10. Life Is Real "Me I be Ayo, Ogunmakin fear no foe, I am real fro head to toe, just like my heart and like my soul.."
A fast-paced song, and something I definitely groove along to. I love how this song is quicker than the rest, it's almost like a wake up call to get you up and about.
#13. Neva Been "I don't need the sun, don't need the moon / Now that you're here, God gave me both in you.."
The final song on the album. It's like after all the darkness, a ray of light peers through the clouds, and the sky clears more and more until it's a cloudless day, and all you can do is smile and dance. A great finishing touch to a wonderful album of life.
Ayo. Life, love and longing, with a dash of optimism. One of my real favourites in my cd collection. Have a listen if you like :)
Additional links:
http://www.myspace.com/ayosound
Ayo is, by nature, quite unique.
---
From what I can remember, I randomly came across this artist in a JB Hi-Fi music magazine. I read the blurb and saw the album cover, and knew I wanted to listen to it. The album was eventually bought for me as a surprise present, which was a nice surprise indeed. :)
I think I was initially surprised by the songs - what I was hearing was not really what I'd expected. But I've grown to love the sound that is Ayo. She sings with a certain raw emotion - I would say it's a by-product of the troubles and hardships she's faced throughout her life thus far (read her biography here) - and musically, it's great to listen to.
If I needed to categorise her music into a genre for somebody.. I don't know what I would call it. Perhaps a soulful groove, as the title of this post suggests?
Ayo is primarily Caribbean/reggae-style rhythms, but she also includes a harmonica, an accordion and what I think is jazz organ (Hammond B-3, it says in the album booklet) in her songs. And whatever the percussion instrument is (no, not the drum kit), its got that awesome "guun, guun" sound to it which I love so much.
Stand-out tracks:
#1. Down On My Knees "Do you really think / She can love you more than me / Do you really, really think so?"
A quick, slick percussion intro leads into the song and the album that is Ayo. This song exemplifies her raw expression, and it packs a punch.
#3. Letter By Letter I wish I could read you like a book, letter by letter.."
This is one of the more pop-ish songs on the album, in my opinion. The harmonica makes an appearance on this track during the interludes, and I think it gives the song an extra edge.
#5. And It's Supposed To Be Love "Body slam you to the ground / Messaging a chill / Curses make the head go 'round / Brings a certain thrill.."
The upbeat, slightly Caribbean rhythm and the soft & gentle vocals belie the lyrical content of the song, as Ayo sings about the irony of love in a scene of domestic violence.
#10. Life Is Real "Me I be Ayo, Ogunmakin fear no foe, I am real fro head to toe, just like my heart and like my soul.."
A fast-paced song, and something I definitely groove along to. I love how this song is quicker than the rest, it's almost like a wake up call to get you up and about.
#13. Neva Been "I don't need the sun, don't need the moon / Now that you're here, God gave me both in you.."
The final song on the album. It's like after all the darkness, a ray of light peers through the clouds, and the sky clears more and more until it's a cloudless day, and all you can do is smile and dance. A great finishing touch to a wonderful album of life.
Ayo. Life, love and longing, with a dash of optimism. One of my real favourites in my cd collection. Have a listen if you like :)
Additional links:
http://www.myspace.com/ayosound
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
summer sounds
He reminds me of a balmy summer evening, where the gentle breeze makes you smile as it glides over your body. Or a night on a beach on a remote island, sitting around a campfire on the beach with some friends and enjoying each others' company. Or perhaps, a lazy holiday afternoon, looking up at the azure sky, framed by the palm fronds from the trees that are gently swinging your hammock.
I'm talking about Jehro and his self-titled album.
From recollection, Jehro is French (his real name is Jérôme), but if you listen to his music you'd think he was from the islands, with a Caribbean infusion in his melodies, and the rhythms that are laid-back, but upbeat enough to keep you dancing gently. You'll also feel folk and reggae when you hear his music; overall it's a nice mix.
I love unique voices, and Jehro's is no exception. Reminds me of a light coffee colour (not really sure why) - smooth, with a little roughness around the edges.
And it's not just the music; you have to listen to his lyrics, some of which are sung in Spanish, others of which are heavier than my musical description implies. For instance, in "I Want Love" he sings of a child soldier going through tough times. His words are far from the usual, and I also like that uniqueness about him.
Stand-out tracks:
#1. Everything "And I will learn to say / Goodbye a thousand different ways.."
This the opening track, and it really sets the mood for the album. I can picture it being used as an intro for a film, where you're seeing the characters in their environment for the first time, and a story quickly develops without any dialogue. I think it's because the minor chords of the song sound elusive and mysterious to me.
#3. Long Is The Way "Oh Lord, I made it through / I'm gonna lay down my load.."
This song is the reason why I fell in love with Jehro's music. The song begins with a beautiful guitar (?) intro that makes the notes sound as though they're dancing, sparkling on the water on a hot summer's day, and the light reggae-style beat supports the lyrics of lost love and a sad longing.
#4. Sweet "Sweet, sweet / The taste of my lover / Sweet, sweet / The smell of her skin.."
One of the lighter songs on the album, the violins initially pave the way for what really is a sweet-sounding set of vocal harmonies. The lyrics are of the nature-infused romantic kind - and by that I mean that Jehro sings of the little things that we do with lovers, that make life happy and perfect. I love the trumpet interlude in the middle of the song, reminds me of Cuban music! :)
#9. Shantytown Carnival "Tonight is free / Tonight the streets / Echo the sounds / Of the carnival.."
A catchy little song with a more upbeat sound, as the percussion keeps you moving to the rhythm while the guitar paints its colour all over the piece.. can't forget the piano either, providing a lovely background wash to the canvas of the song.
I first discovered Jehro in 2006 through an mp3blog, called aurgasm (the actual post is here).
To digress, I really, really adore this site and the music it offers - I've discovered some real gems from this site that I would have never heard otherwise; and all the other mp3blogs I've come across are usually fairly genre-specific, and/or not as aesthetically pleasing as aurgasm. Even the name looks good when you write it out - although I've had one or two weird looks when I've tried to plug the site in conversations, hehe.
I think Jehro was the first impulse buy I'd made when it came down to music albums and hearing mp3s from blogs. I mean, prior to Paul's post on his blog, I'd never heard of Jehro.
The tracks that were posted on the site were "Everything" and "Long is the Way". As soon as the music started playing, I was intrigued - and seconds after I'd heard both songs, I was totally hooked and very determined to buy the album. And I did not regret the purchase one single bit.
Magnetic and mysterious. Unwind with Jehro.
Additional reading:
http://jehro.free.fr/htmlen/bio.htm
---
After writing this blog, I visited YouTube to watch the music video for Jehro's "Everything", and I've just discovered that his song "Master Blaster" (track 13 off the album, it's only a demo version though) is actually a cover of Stevie Wonder's original song! I had no idea!
----------------
Now playing: Jehro - Master Blaster Demo Version
I'm talking about Jehro and his self-titled album.
From recollection, Jehro is French (his real name is Jérôme), but if you listen to his music you'd think he was from the islands, with a Caribbean infusion in his melodies, and the rhythms that are laid-back, but upbeat enough to keep you dancing gently. You'll also feel folk and reggae when you hear his music; overall it's a nice mix.
I love unique voices, and Jehro's is no exception. Reminds me of a light coffee colour (not really sure why) - smooth, with a little roughness around the edges.
And it's not just the music; you have to listen to his lyrics, some of which are sung in Spanish, others of which are heavier than my musical description implies. For instance, in "I Want Love" he sings of a child soldier going through tough times. His words are far from the usual, and I also like that uniqueness about him.
Stand-out tracks:
#1. Everything "And I will learn to say / Goodbye a thousand different ways.."
This the opening track, and it really sets the mood for the album. I can picture it being used as an intro for a film, where you're seeing the characters in their environment for the first time, and a story quickly develops without any dialogue. I think it's because the minor chords of the song sound elusive and mysterious to me.
#3. Long Is The Way "Oh Lord, I made it through / I'm gonna lay down my load.."
This song is the reason why I fell in love with Jehro's music. The song begins with a beautiful guitar (?) intro that makes the notes sound as though they're dancing, sparkling on the water on a hot summer's day, and the light reggae-style beat supports the lyrics of lost love and a sad longing.
#4. Sweet "Sweet, sweet / The taste of my lover / Sweet, sweet / The smell of her skin.."
One of the lighter songs on the album, the violins initially pave the way for what really is a sweet-sounding set of vocal harmonies. The lyrics are of the nature-infused romantic kind - and by that I mean that Jehro sings of the little things that we do with lovers, that make life happy and perfect. I love the trumpet interlude in the middle of the song, reminds me of Cuban music! :)
#9. Shantytown Carnival "Tonight is free / Tonight the streets / Echo the sounds / Of the carnival.."
A catchy little song with a more upbeat sound, as the percussion keeps you moving to the rhythm while the guitar paints its colour all over the piece.. can't forget the piano either, providing a lovely background wash to the canvas of the song.
I first discovered Jehro in 2006 through an mp3blog, called aurgasm (the actual post is here).
To digress, I really, really adore this site and the music it offers - I've discovered some real gems from this site that I would have never heard otherwise; and all the other mp3blogs I've come across are usually fairly genre-specific, and/or not as aesthetically pleasing as aurgasm. Even the name looks good when you write it out - although I've had one or two weird looks when I've tried to plug the site in conversations, hehe.
I think Jehro was the first impulse buy I'd made when it came down to music albums and hearing mp3s from blogs. I mean, prior to Paul's post on his blog, I'd never heard of Jehro.
The tracks that were posted on the site were "Everything" and "Long is the Way". As soon as the music started playing, I was intrigued - and seconds after I'd heard both songs, I was totally hooked and very determined to buy the album. And I did not regret the purchase one single bit.
Magnetic and mysterious. Unwind with Jehro.
Additional reading:
http://jehro.free.fr/htmlen/bio.htm
---
After writing this blog, I visited YouTube to watch the music video for Jehro's "Everything", and I've just discovered that his song "Master Blaster" (track 13 off the album, it's only a demo version though) is actually a cover of Stevie Wonder's original song! I had no idea!
----------------
Now playing: Jehro - Master Blaster Demo Version
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
an idol of mine
"I'm not into genre," she says. "I'm a singer who tries to communicate through song. I write songs because I need to write them. It's almost like cheap therapy."
Katie Noonan.
Blessed with a beautiful voice, her new album Skin is a great album with loads of class and silky smooth grooves. I personally think it's a bit of a step away from her previous George days, as this album is more pop than not, but I really dig it. After all, how could you not love a voice as heavenly as hers?
Standout tracks:
#3. Time To Begin "Time to begin / Let the sun shine back in..." This is the first single off the album, and as such it has a nice little music video to go with it. I think it sets the tone of the album well - you can sit back and relax, unwind with these silver tunes washing over your body, or you can chat with friends at a cruising party or bar on a Friday night. The rockin' bass line gets me in that Friday night mood - in fact there's a taste of House (dance music) & Jamiroquai to the song, it's great - and the (jazz?) flute IS NUTS! Makes me wish I'd kept up with my silver woodwind.
#4. Love's My Song For You "As we lay here in the darkness, chatting away the hours, I wonder / If I could, lie here forever..." One of my boy's faves actually. She's more breathy in this song, and it's really nice and easygoing, something for a sunny day outside, or when you're indoors and the sunshine's so bright it's lighting up the whole house.
#5. Little Boy Man "You're the greatest gift / You're the sweetest kiss.." I personally find the title rather catchy. Possibly because it does and doesn't make sense, both at once, and they're the first words she sings. The groovy-sounding keyboard and the drumbeat that feature throughout most of the song, get my head nodding and my feet tapping. Every time.
#6. Sunshine "I look up, and I see that smile again / I look up, and I see sunshine again / I look up, and I see your face again..." Again, the keyboard and drums get this song going. They definitely bring the groove to this album, and complement Noonan's voice very well.
If you manage to get a hold of the special edition of this album, which includes an additional CD with b-sides, you'll find that she does a fantastic cover of the song "Crazy" (of Gnarls Barkley fame). Can't rave about it enough!
Katie Noonan. Haunting. Heavenly. Magical. Must-listen.
A repsonse to the article "Katie Noonan hits the road"
Katie Noonan.
Blessed with a beautiful voice, her new album Skin is a great album with loads of class and silky smooth grooves. I personally think it's a bit of a step away from her previous George days, as this album is more pop than not, but I really dig it. After all, how could you not love a voice as heavenly as hers?
Standout tracks:
#3. Time To Begin "Time to begin / Let the sun shine back in..." This is the first single off the album, and as such it has a nice little music video to go with it. I think it sets the tone of the album well - you can sit back and relax, unwind with these silver tunes washing over your body, or you can chat with friends at a cruising party or bar on a Friday night. The rockin' bass line gets me in that Friday night mood - in fact there's a taste of House (dance music) & Jamiroquai to the song, it's great - and the (jazz?) flute IS NUTS! Makes me wish I'd kept up with my silver woodwind.
#4. Love's My Song For You "As we lay here in the darkness, chatting away the hours, I wonder / If I could, lie here forever..." One of my boy's faves actually. She's more breathy in this song, and it's really nice and easygoing, something for a sunny day outside, or when you're indoors and the sunshine's so bright it's lighting up the whole house.
#5. Little Boy Man "You're the greatest gift / You're the sweetest kiss.." I personally find the title rather catchy. Possibly because it does and doesn't make sense, both at once, and they're the first words she sings. The groovy-sounding keyboard and the drumbeat that feature throughout most of the song, get my head nodding and my feet tapping. Every time.
#6. Sunshine "I look up, and I see that smile again / I look up, and I see sunshine again / I look up, and I see your face again..." Again, the keyboard and drums get this song going. They definitely bring the groove to this album, and complement Noonan's voice very well.
If you manage to get a hold of the special edition of this album, which includes an additional CD with b-sides, you'll find that she does a fantastic cover of the song "Crazy" (of Gnarls Barkley fame). Can't rave about it enough!
Katie Noonan. Haunting. Heavenly. Magical. Must-listen.
A repsonse to the article "Katie Noonan hits the road"
Friday, August 31, 2007
imagine toi (the real thing)
Julien Cottereau.
One voice, one stage, one body.
Believe. Trust. See.
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It was a great show. From the start you were transported into a magical land, of giants, chewing gum, bouncy balls, catwalks, crazy dogs, scary chambers, damsels-in-distress and rich men with wobbly guts.
Julien Cottereau has an amazing talent for mime. He brings his world to life so effectively, with the addition of a unique array of vocal effects, which make you do a double-take and ask "Is that really him? Are you sure it's not a recording, or people backstage making those sounds?"
But really, there is no way it could be anybody but him. His moves are fast, dynamic, unpredictable - and you can't help but be mesmerised by his storytelling.
If you haven't understood this post by now, you have to realise that Julien does not use ANY physical props.
The broom? Imaginary.
The ball? Imaginary.
The dogs? Imaginary.
And that's the amazing thing about it. He's so expressive, and so genuine, you find yourself seeing that broom he's sweeping, and the skipping rope that he makes from a piece of old chewing gum, and the bouncy ball that he plays with.
The audience interaction is great as well. Throughout the show he was getting people involved, helping them believe in his magic, playing hackey sack with a young boy from the audience, handing over a camera to a young girl so that she could take photos of him, asking a father to help him play out a scene of swords and trapped princesses..
It was great.
Truly something special.
Julien Cottereau, if you ever read this, I want to say thank you. For bringing magic into people's lives, for just that brief moment, making them smile, and opening the window in their hearts so the sun can shine in and warm their souls.
You are blessed.
One voice, one stage, one body.
Believe. Trust. See.
---
It was a great show. From the start you were transported into a magical land, of giants, chewing gum, bouncy balls, catwalks, crazy dogs, scary chambers, damsels-in-distress and rich men with wobbly guts.
Julien Cottereau has an amazing talent for mime. He brings his world to life so effectively, with the addition of a unique array of vocal effects, which make you do a double-take and ask "Is that really him? Are you sure it's not a recording, or people backstage making those sounds?"
But really, there is no way it could be anybody but him. His moves are fast, dynamic, unpredictable - and you can't help but be mesmerised by his storytelling.
If you haven't understood this post by now, you have to realise that Julien does not use ANY physical props.
The broom? Imaginary.
The ball? Imaginary.
The dogs? Imaginary.
And that's the amazing thing about it. He's so expressive, and so genuine, you find yourself seeing that broom he's sweeping, and the skipping rope that he makes from a piece of old chewing gum, and the bouncy ball that he plays with.
The audience interaction is great as well. Throughout the show he was getting people involved, helping them believe in his magic, playing hackey sack with a young boy from the audience, handing over a camera to a young girl so that she could take photos of him, asking a father to help him play out a scene of swords and trapped princesses..
It was great.
Truly something special.
Julien Cottereau, if you ever read this, I want to say thank you. For bringing magic into people's lives, for just that brief moment, making them smile, and opening the window in their hearts so the sun can shine in and warm their souls.
You are blessed.
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