I feel that I’ve proved my point with this segment. I started this segment to introduce/re-introduce those of you with no knowledge in music. I tried to “teach” you good music. I honestly feel that I’ve proved my point with this segment. So I am going to stop doing this segment, for now at least! I hope I was able to shine the spotlight on some good music and help our readers discover new music! So here are 5 tracks that are at the top of MY list of songs you should know!
Into My Arms- Nick Cave: This is, in my opinion, probably the greatest music video ever recorded. Why? Because of its simplicity, because of its honesty, because of its humility! The lyrics are phenomenal and the lighting and art in the video make it superior! This is the lead track off of Cave’s 1997 release The Boatman’s Call. According to Cave, this was the most powerful song he’d ever written. So powerful that he performed it at the funeral for INXS frontman Michael Hutchence. It received critical acclaim in the UK, being named on several lists of the Top 100 songs of All-Time, also it was nominated for Song of the Year.
The Story- Brandi Carlile: Ah yes, you know some songs just feel right. I can bet that when Brandi recorded this track she knew she had a hit on her hands! Because of the bureaucracy and the bull shit in the radio/music industry, this song was never really given a chance. This song is the type that upsets me because I can’t think of a better song in 2007. I’ll prove my case: In 2007, Fergie had the number 1 song of the year: Big Girls Don’t Cry, while the Dixie Chicks won the Grammy for Album, Song & Record of the Year. Come on, you’ve got to be kidding me! Just listen to this song and see for yourself! If Brandi had a bigger record label and more money to give to radio exec’s, I bet you this song would have made either of these two lists, if not both!
The Way I Am- Nicole Atkins: Another stand out track of 2007! This is just good ole music! Nicole Atkins takes it old school by belting out her song. The emotion in the hook makes the song memorable, but she is not just ranting for no reason, lyrically the song is actually very good. Atkins is another one of those artists who doesn’t have the big bucks to market her properly. This is the 3rd track off Atkins 1997 release Neptune City. Click here, where you can listen to the entire album for free on Rolling Stone’s website. Enjoy!
The Grand Parade- Reindeer Section: This song is simply beautiful! This was supposed to be the first song me and my wife danced to on our wedding, but it was struck down because of the name of the band, dumb, I know! This band was formed as a “super band” of Scottish singers, members of Idlewild, Snow Patrol, Teenage Fanclub, Belle & Sebastian & Mogwai to name a few. Snow Patrol singer, Gary Lightbody, was the frontman and really put out a great album. This track is indicative of the entire album, which is slow-paced, almost purposeful. I can’t tell you how much I love this song, and I hope you do to!
Coming Back From The Sun– Paloalto: LA-Based indie band Paltoalto released their self titled debut album in 2000, which included this track. I love this song too, I love songs where the singer is not afraid to show real emotion. I hope you love it as much as I do!