Christmas Time

I wasn't thinking of Christmas music until yesterday when I listen to one of Dave Fricke's "12 Days of Frickemas" songs.  Realizing there were a lot of  Christmas tunes out there you just don't hear every year, I decided to put a few songs together.

For years, my Christmas music season would start out with a personal favorite, "O Holly Night" (I'm sure my sons are sick of the song).  So why would this playlist be any different!  You may not be a big Celine Dion fan, but I challenge anyone to find a more powerful rendition of this classic song.  The way she ends the songs gives me chills every year.  Give a listen and tell me what you think.

Don't worry, after "O Holly Night", the playlist goes way south from the traditional fare!  So give a listen, hug your best friend, your kids, or the nearest stranger.  Give a little joy this season and be thankful for the gifts life gives us every day.

https://open.spotify.com/user/1281390552/playlist/2mYRMPDeAzJOHyfL5LtTmm

Enjoy the music

Singer-Songwriters

Leonard Cohen passed last week at the age of 82.  "Who is Cohen?", some may ask.  One of the most unique, dark and best poet/songwriter of our time.  He passed on 10 November within a few weeks of releasing his last album "You Want It Darker".  If you're a Leonard Cohen fan, or just want to listen to some damn good (sad) lyrics, check out his latest & last effort.

But wait!  Before you do, a little background info is in order.

1. Leonard was born and raised Jewish.  One of his recent concerts he said a few Hebrew prayers showing he was faithful
2. He was a Buddhist Monk.  Yes, he was a zen master for many years.  He once said he didn't see a conflict between Jewish religion and Buddhism because Buddhist didn't pray to a deity.
3. He knew he wasn't long for the world when the last album was released.  In July of this year, he read a letter at his first wife's funeral.  He told her he was so close behind her, she could reach back and touch his hand.

But wait once more!  There's a couple request...

1. Go "old school" and listen to the whole album from the first to last song (no shuffle, no skipping).
2. Walk away from all distractions!  Yes, that means your phone, pc, macbook, ipad, ipod, tv, a book, a paintbrush, your favorite adult coloring book, comic book, cook book, novel, magazine, newspaper, or what ever else takes focus away.  Find a good place to hang, start the music, close your eyes, and do nothing but listen for the next 36 minutes.

https://open.spotify.com/album/3jeTB3j3QmUs8SPIVleHtU

If for some reason, you think it was a waste of time, I'll do my best to get back the 1/2 hour out of your day for you!

Cohen's passing inspired me to put together a playlist that's been roaming around in my mind for some time now.  Artist that focus on the lyrics.  This playlist was tough and is not complete.  Too many good songwriters out there to get a good mix in one sitting.  Did someone say "mix"?  Yes, this one is definitely a mix.  Little 70's, a little Hip Hop, some alternative, and more will be added. 

https://open.spotify.com/user/1281390552/playlist/3gLN3VY5Y2LTZeTuujEQeo

Enjoy the music!

Craig 

Matthew

Had to do it... This week's playlist is all about rain, storms, and hurricanes!

Last week was a crazy one.  Getting ready for Matthew, worrying about family and friends, wondering if our place by the beach would survive, watching the weather channel all night, and driving all over FL!

Now that everyone is safe, our home is still standing, lets play some music!

https://open.spotify.com/user/1281390552/playlist/1ldVBs9gT11jQOzVsHioMm

Enjoy the Music!

The Falsettos

I've been intrigued about the popularity of today's "high pitch" singers.  Seams to be several out there... Temper Trap, Vampire Weekend, Bon Iver, Miguel, Passion Pit, Matt & Kim, and the list goes on.  There's a certain talent in singing in Falsetto voice.  Not everyone like the style, there are a lot out there to give a listen.  Shout out to one of the falsetto masters of recent history... Prince, RIP!

Is falsetto singing something new?  When did it all start?

The first time I remember this style was in middle school.  Our music teacher use to make us listen to "The Vienna Boys Choir".  Of course, they had a reason to sing high pitch.  They were so young, the family jewels weren't in full swing!  As soon as the boys got a little older, replacements were found to carry on the singing tradition.  Back in the 16th century, when it all started, the young men weren't so lucky.  Yes, in order to keep that pitch, a couple of items had to be removed.  As crazy as it sounds, these "Castrati" men, famous for falsetto vocals, had a little operation before puberty.  And no, I'm not making this up!

So now that I'm crossing my legs and squirming in my seat, I'll end this blog with a playlist of today's fully functional Falsetto singers.

https://open.spotify.com/user/1281390552/playlist/72NpuyRwLLlFsj5PMyX6mi

Enjoy the music!

Still Folk'n Around

It's been a too long since sitting down to discover new music.  The last month has been focused on far to many other things.  Mostly, Jeannie's sister, Cathy.  She was recently diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of brain cancer.  Jeannie is where she needs to be, with her sister.  Even though I can't imagine the emotional toil Jeannie is going through, I admire her strength for taking the journey.  I know it comforts Cathy, knowing she's there with her. If you're one to pray, please say one for Cathy.  If you're into meditation, please clear your thoughts with well wishes.  If you're into Buddha, rub a few bellies!  If none of the above, take a moment to think of her.

This week's playlist could have easily been called "Roaming Again"!  Typically, when starting to put a playlist together, I have a "minds ear" for what it should be.  This one got way off track... but, it was a fun ride!  The idea was to checkout today's Folk artist.  Little did I know Lead Belly, the "master of the 12 string guitar" would catch my attention way back from the turn of the century.  Folk artist are still singing his music today.  Nor did I know Folk artist, Victoria Williams wrote one of my favorite Pearl Jam songs, Crazy Mary.  Both artist are in this playlist, because PJ's version is just too damn good not to include. Or what about one of Bruce Springsteen's signature songs, Jersey Girl.  Originally written and sung by Tom Waits.

True to the spirit of Folk music, included are songs from activist shedding light on important issues (i.e. the prison system) or just having some fun with the crazy world of politics.  I had to include "I had a Dream", not to make a statement, but because it made me laugh!

If you're getting tired of my trek into Folk music, I promise next playlist will venture away into a different direction.

https://open.spotify.com/user/1281390552/playlist/67R2gSHZW8OmjvfSmly3gB

Enjoy the music,

Craig    

Folk'n Around

So excited for Jackie when I heard she was at the Newport Folk Festival last week.  When I looked who was playing, I was jealous!  Jackie, please tell me you were able to see St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Alabama Shakes, Ray, Norah, Ryan, Elvis, Edward, Graham, Father John, Glen, & Nathaniel. Did you punk out with the Violent Femmes and the Queen of Punk, Patti Smith?

Jealous!

I showed Jeannie this year's lineup.  The first thing she said was "let's go next year".  So if anyone's interested, July 28-30, 2017...  Save the date.

So what is Folk Music?  In short, I'm not really sure.  Use to be, it was the local music passed on from generations to generations.  Now days, there's new Folk, Metal Folk, Indie Folk.  All this Folk'n around is making my head spin.

The plan this week was to put some of the artist from the Newport Folk Festival on the playlist, then add other Folk artist popular today.  After listing to all different artist from the festival, there wasn't much time to add anyone else.  So it's really the, "if you're not at Newport, you're not worthy" playlist.

https://open.spotify.com/user/1281390552/playlist/4CLGq9TUPwHIcsGyBuEOSP

Enjoy the music!

Jam On

In the spirit of the jam bands, this playlist will last for ever!  When you think of "Jam Bands", one most likely to come to mind is The Grateful Dead.  Probably, the most successful jam band in history.  I'm not a deadhead, but have met a few in my travels.  Once Jerry passed on, there was quite a void for many die hard fans.  Where could they go and drop acid with thousands of their closest friends?  The days of Grateful Dead concerts are gone, but through the years, a few bands have stepped up to the plate to continue the tradition of getting on stage and jamming to were ever the music and crowd takes them.

Some of the more known jam bands that have carried on the tradition are The Allman Brothers Band, Phish, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Marshall Tucker Band, Derek and the Dominos, The Black Crows, Blues Traveler, Widespread Panic, and of course... Dave Matthews Band.  As you can see by the list, just because you are a "Jam Band", doesn't mean you play similar music as all the other Jam Bands.

With the popularity and rise of more and more Music Festivals, there's now another consistent platform (other than college towns), for jam bands to live on!  Some of today's jam bands you may not have heard of are Lettuce, STS9, Perpetual Groove, Umphrey's McGee, K-Dub, The John Bulter Trio, Gov't Mule, Yonder Mountain String Band.  There are many more!  This playlist is mainly loaded with the less known Jam Band's of today, but I added a few jam "standards", because there just to damn good not to include.  One word of caution.  You may find yourself saying, "this song is really good", or "how did this crap get on the playlist"!  As long as you give the song a chance, don't feel guilty if you hit the "next" button:)

So find you're favorite chair, "smok'm if you got em", hug your speaker, and give a listen!

https://open.spotify.com/user/1281390552/playlist/5mz7Ae34pxBXrqaQ7MTE5z

But wait, there's more.  Below is my second "that's what I was thinking of" playlist is linked below.  The second week of music artist I texted out to my sisters were The Civil Wars, Alabama Shakes, and St. Paul & The Broken Bones.  If you see St. Paul & The Broken Bones in concert, you will have a new appreciation for there music.

https://open.spotify.com/user/1281390552/playlist/6r5cPfWirkw6MN7VtH1kCC

But wait, there's even more!  I've been filled with guilt after sending out the "Old is New" playlist.  Okay... not too guilty, after all, it was several weeks ago.  There are two other artist who deserve to be included in the playlist.  Early June, Paul Simon released is newest work.  This guy has been in the business for over 50 years!  I listened to the album, but just wasn't in the mood.  The second time around, I got it!  Paul got my attention in the late 80's with his release of Graceland.  You know the fresh new collaboration sound Mumford and Sons just released with African artist Baaba Maal?  Paul was doing stuff like that over 20 years ago.  The latest album, Mr. Simon collaborated with an Italian EDM artist.  Give it a go!

My other addition to the "Old is New" playlist is someone who unfortunately is no longer with us.  One of the most unique, innovative, genuine artist of my generation.  Even with a terminal illness, which he decided to battle privately with wife by his side, David was making music.  His latest album was released on his 69th birthday (January 8th).  Several songs were digitally released in December and as with his previous works, as soon as they were available critics and fans were attempting to figure out the meaning.  Two days after the full album was released, it became clear.  The first line in "Lazarus" is "Look up here, I'm in heaven".  David Bowie past away on January the 10th.  Your music lives on!

https://open.spotify.com/user/1281390552/playlist/38UbCSrDoKnlKv3BVAKG8A

Roaming in the Music

So I was thinking this week would be all about newer artist getting back to some blues rock roots, but then there was so many other good new music out there, I just couldn't keep on track.  So then, I figured to just go with it.  Let the musical ADHD take over and see what happens today!  Jeannie and I worked out in the yard most of the day, still trying to recover from our failed attempt at having a landscaper come to the house a few months ago.  While slaving away in the FL sun, figured a little Barns Courtney would be good motivation.  Barns is a great new artist, but doesn't have much music on Spotify.  The reason he doesn't have much music on Spotify is he just doesn't have much music anywhere!  I'm sure there will be more from him soon.

So bag the Barns, and move on to someone else new.  Firekid should do it.  Jeannie and I just happened to see him in Nashville opening for Boy & Bear the first time they played in the states.  Firekid, good, but not what I was looking for.  How about The Strumbellas... they're a new, interesting sound.  B0RN's pretty good... need to add a few of their songs.

Taking a "storm blowing through" break from yard work.  What about getting back to "blues rock roots" idea?  You can't get any better than Joe Bonamassa!  Joe's good, but what ever happened to the blues kid who released "Lie to Me" when he was 15 years old?  Crap, Johnny Lang is 35 now!  Okay, back to Joe.  You can't play Joe without getting Beth Hart into the act.  They've been making music together for years.  Isn't that young English kid, Jake Bugg, bluesy?  Good, but let's move on.

The Record Company.  Their first album was a real DIY project.  Everything was set up in the bass players house, and they hit the record button.  Worked out well for them!  Taking a left turn now.  Next is a band that's been around since the late 80's.  Someone told me about them when I was at "Rush's 40 Anniversary" tour.  Yes, I'm still and Rush fan, and yes, they have been playing music for over 40 years now!  One "Porcupine Tree" song in here just in case Shane's listens to this weeks playlist.  They are one of those "How did we miss them" bands.  If you like the song, I highly recommend listing to the whole "In Absentia" album.  It won't be the last time you listen.

Another storm running through... get to take another break from yard work.  Back to the sort of "Blues Rock" theme.  X Ambassadors have been making their mark lately.  They were recently down in FL at the Okeechobee Music Festival.  Another good live act.  Speaking of live acts, Lucinda Williams is top notch!  Another artist that's been playing for over 40 years.  Only decided to put one of her songs in the playlist.  If you like, check her out.  One of the most unique funky vocal styles that will grow on you... if you give her a chance.  Little more Firekid?  How about someone from the 70's still making music?

Done with yard work for the day.  Back to the new artist.  Tom Odell is Englishman that's the same age as Harrison.  Released his first album 4 years ago.  Good stuff.

To stay true to my ADHD music theme this week, wait, was I still trying to keep a blues rock theme?  Whatever!  The last artist on the list is because I put a "Roadkill Ghost Choir" t-shirt on after cleaning up from the yard work today.  Figured, why not add a few more to round it out to 30 songs.

https://open.spotify.com/user/1281390552/playlist/1L6dLQljOPNRoqD5d4lb0l

Enjoy the music!

Bowen Island Rich in Music

Anyone wondering if there was going to be a blog during Jeannie's and my vacation?  While in Seattle, I was tempted to explore what the city had to offer... post the 90's grunge rock era!   But, then there was a rain forest to wander, a sea to splash around, beer to drink, fireworks to see, and a cool city to explore.  No time to get into the music culture.  But that's okay, little did I know what treats lay ahead on a little island west of Vancouver, BC.

Within a few minutes after getting to our Airbnb house on Bowen Island, we both realized this was a home built with a foundation of music.  So many instruments all around, pictures of concerts, recording equipment, I just had to find out more.  By the pictures downstairs, there was a handful of albums.  The Pied Pumpkins, Shari Ulrich, The Hometown Band... wait, what was the name of the person that we rented this house from?  Sharon Ulrich was the owner.  She was the music connection!  Off to Wikipedia I go.

So way back when (late 70's) while I was just starting to rock out to a Canadian band from the other side of the country (who would end up being one of my all time favorite bands), this young lady was making some fine music rooted in bluegrass.  In 1982, Shari received a JUNO award (that's Canada's Grammy Award equivalent) for "Most Promising Female Vocalist of the Year".  Did she fad away?  No!  Her latest album was released two years ago.  Her and two other artist (known as BTU), just released an album this year.  Turns out, her daughter Julia edited, produced and did the artwork for the new album.  A music family indeed!

So was that the only music coming out of Bowen Island?  Turns out there's a few folks around this island making music.  Bluegrass, Folk, Jazz/Blues, Country, EDM, stuff you really can't classify clearly, all represented here.  Off to Spotify I go!

Sure you say, There's not going to be much music from Bowen Island on Spotify.  Well, there's more than I was expecting!  There were a few artist, like Roger Arndt, Pauline Le Bel, and David Graff that didn't have a voice on Spotify.  But I did find Buff Allen (Jazz percussionist), Christie Grace (Jazz/Blues singer), Corbin Keep (wild cellist), Julie Vik (not sure yet), Black Molly (EDM), and the one who started me down this road, Shari Ulrich.  So sit back and enjoy the music from Bowen Island,  One listener alert, there's several more songs with Shari than the other artist.  Why? maybe because it was her house we stayed in, maybe because she's got a great voice maybe because she's was so nice when we meet her, maybe because its all of the above!

https://open.spotify.com/user/1281390552/playlist/3PHbFwRMj6ktGVRwu46S1w

Enjoy the music,

Craig

Old Is Still New!

With all the new artist today, it's easy to leave the old guys behind.  But, did you know there's been some great music released in the last year by some of the folks you've known for decades?  This week's playlist consist of mainly new music, but I had to include a few of my favorite songs of the past just to mix it up a bit.  When's the last time you listened to Elton John?  Are you a David Gilmour fan?  NFW... you don't know David Gilmour?  Pink Floyd ring a bell?

This week's playlist is dedicated to artist that have been playing music for over 40 years and have released an album within the last year.  All the artist on this weeks playlist meet the criteria except for two exceptions.  Red Hot Chili Peppers are mere pups!  They've only been around for 33 years.  But since there new album was released last week, and it's damn good, I had to include them!  The other exception is Robert Plant.  His latest project was released a little over a year ago.  But, it's Robert Plant, so give me a freek'n break:)  Unfortunately, Spotify has let me down this week.  They don't have Robert Plant's newest album "Lullaby and the Ceaseless Roar".  So if you like what's on the playlist, head over to iTunes to listen to more.

Chili Peppers.  I became a fan when "Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magic" was released.  Didn't think they could top it... then there was "Californication"... then there was "Stadium Arcadium"... now "The Getaway".  They just keep evolving and getting better.  So really "evolving and getting better" is why I enjoyed putting this playlist together.  Elton John said in an interview on the release of his new album, there was a certain freedom as an artist when you no longer are chasing fame and fortune.  You can focus on the art of making music.  They're are plenty of new artist out there that don't chase fortune and fame, but we don't hear of them much!

Last month, Eric Clapton release "I Still Do".  Not much to say here, but listen to the master.  Late last year David Gilmour released his newest work.  It's amazing what he can do with a guitar.  His wife of over 20 years, is a novelist and writes the lyrics to all his music. She says he speaks with his music, she just puts it into words.

A little confession here, I haven't been much of an Elton John fan since "Captain Fantastic", but I have to give him props for still going strong.  His newest work has received a lot of praise from his long time fans.

Did you know Tom Petty grew up in Gainsville FL?  Did you know he was in a band called Mudcrutch that played locally around the area before he hit the big times?  Did you know Mudcrutch just released there second album?  Wow, look at all the things you learn just by putting up with my blog:)

Not only is Keith Richard still alive, he's still releasing solo albums outside of the Stones.  His latest is a hit and miss.  There are several great tunes and it gets better the more you listen.  He definitely stays true to his blues rock roots.

That's it for this week... no wait, that's not it!  There are two playlist links below.  The first one is this week's playlist.  The second one is the first of the "that's what I was thinking of" playlist.  When I started sending out music to my sisters, I just texted out three artist each week without a playlist.  It was up to them to go check them out.  This week, I'm including the playlist of the music from the first "Music Artist" text I sent out.

https://open.spotify.com/user/1281390552/playlist/38UbCSrDoKnlKv3BVAKG8A

https://open.spotify.com/user/1281390552/playlist/5sVlC7jsOw6ahnxA8phu0M


Enjoy the Music!

Craig

Orlando United

June 21, 2016 Blog

If anyone was wondering "why a weekly'ish music list"?  It's really not to educate my sisters about what's out there today.  It's just another adventure in the joy of music.  Music which has always been by my side through life.

Last week, there was no music list sent out because there was little joy in Central Florida.  Keep in your hearts and support the victims of the tragedies which recently hit Orlando.

On Saturday, the 11th of June, I started a blog to go along with the week's music list.  This week, I decided to send it out to all.

June 11, 2016 Blog

So excited!  Lots of stuff to cover.  So much, a blog is in order!

Warning:  I was inspired by Saturday night’s concert to make a playlist, my sisters will not like!  If you haven’t journeyed into experimental or post-hardcore music scene, you too will not venture far with me this week.

Since my sister won’t get through the first song on the “Ready for This” playlist, I decided to add a “if you can’t handle it” playlist.  It’s a mixture of several artist, starting with MÆ.

Next is ZZ Ward.  She’s been known to jump around in music, bluesy rock to rap doing collaborations with guys like Kendrick Lamar and Childish Gambino.  Btw… both great rappers, but we won’t venture into that music, yet!

“Head and The Heart” released a single this past week.  And it’s a damn good one!  I’m sure most of you are fans and I’m sure their new stuff won’t disappoint.  For some reason, following up with “Monsters and Men” just seems like the right thing to do.

Finishing up the playlist with some Lykke Li.  Interesting… She kind of grows on you.

Music Mix if you can’t handle the other:

https://open.spotify.com/user/1281390552/playlist/5pO3TVSqVmhtT82FqidWVf

So, back to this week’s real playlist! Saturday night, Peyton and I went to see one of our favorite bands.  We saw them three years ago on their last tour before breaking up.  Turns out the band re-united and released a new album two weeks ago.  Thrice is considered an experimental rock band.  They first caught Harrison’s attention with the Alchemy Index albums.  Two albums, with a theme… Fire, Water, Air, & Earth.  Cool concept with a few songs each about the four classical Greek elements.  Thrice has changed so much over the years, if you like the newer music, you may not like the older stuff.  If you like any on the playlist, check out the Beggars album.

Another “Experimental” band is The Deer Hunter.  Talk about theme albums.  The band was formed and named “The Deer Hunter” to tell a story about the life and death of a boy named “The Deer Hunter”.  If you run across any of the “Acts I through IV” albums, you know it’s part of the story.  But wait, they took a break a few years back to release 9 Eps, each a single “color” of music.  The Color Spectrum set was a total departure from the Acts.  Several songs representing 9 different colors.  It’s not hard to imagine, so let’s play a little word game.  I type a color and then will put down the first word that comes to mind…

Black – Dark; Red – Hard; Green – Earthy; Yellow – Smooth

You get the idea!

Keeping with the theme bands, Coheed and Cambria has got to take top honors!  The band was formed in order to put the lead singer’s (Claudio Sanchez) science fiction story to music.  The Armory Wars has been made into a comic book series as well as a novel.  Pretty interesting story line, but I’m not going to bore you with it here.  If you can handle the music, start your Coheed & Cambria journey with “Good Apollo I’m Burning Star IV Volume One: From Fear Through The Eyes Of Madness”.  Yes, that is an album name!

https://open.spotify.com/user/1281390552/playlist/3JeMW4DuQGfyvAN5wwg0k7

Enjoy the Music!