Tinariwen
This column is like the title says - its intention is to fill the gap for those of us who were satiated musically in the '60s and then searched desperately as we aged for music we could relate to and get the same buzz from nowadaze. iTunes was the answer for me in 2003 and I have been following the new releases every Tuesday ever since I realized there was an endless stream of music I could enjoy there.
I also include older items that I felt were obscure originally and might not have been heard back then. The reason I am writing this column is to make sure others don't miss this wonderful music. These are not top ten items; but they SHOULD'VE been!
Below is a jukebox containing all the songs I picked this week. After you read about them below, go back and listen to whatever you like by just clicking on that title in the jukebox, or stream the whole playlist by clicking on the "play" icon at the top. It's free and it's the entire song. We're not selling anything. We're just in the business of hopefully making your days better by listening to great music.
We apologize to our readers/listeners who are trying to enjoy the playlists via mobile devices like iPhones/iPads and are finding that they can't; these are, unfortunately, circumstances beyond our control. At present, Grooveshark is not compatible with those operating systems, and in order to stream the playlist, you will need to use a PC or Mac.
1. "Imazeghen N Adagh" — Tinariwen (3:00)
I don’t feature that much world music in this column but this group is special. They are from the Sahara Desert region of Northern Mali in Africa. There is a distinct guitar sound from that area I really enjoy. This is a good example of that type of playing. They won a World Music Grammy last year and continue to increase their touring. They're worth seeing if you get the chance. They have played festivals like Coachella in the US and Glastonbury in the UK.
2. "His Phase" — Pinback (2:47)
This is one of my favorite guitar bands because of their unique sound. They always bury the lead vocal, but this track from their latest album actually has it at normal volume by the end of the song. It’s a start, lads, keep up the good work!
3. "I Don't Mind" — Frankie Miller (3:26)
One of the best blue-eyed soul singers who ever lived (and still does), his health prevents him from singing any more but he left an amazing legacy. I always stick one in every now and then, because he never gets the attention he deserves. The band and the arrangement, as well as the vocal, are exquisite on this track.
4. "Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" — The Casinos (2:31)
A blast from the past, here is the original version of this classic tune written by John Loudermilk, who also wrote "Tobacco Road." This is very early '60s vintage and there is PLENTY of vocal on this track! It was a top tenner in its time. Jeez — NINE guys and not ONE Beatle haircut!
5. "Mother and Child Reunion" — Dispatch (3:08)
So they went to the same college as blogster Bob Lefsetz (chronicler to music biz participants) but long after Lefsetz had sashayed. They became an on again/off again band that grew followers all over the world, kinda like a Dave Matthews following. Here is their cogent cover of Paul Simon’s genealogical song named after a chicken and egg dish on a Chinese menu. Dispatched well done, I’d say.
6. "Do You Right" — Kyle Riabko (2:47)
This multi-talented Canadian youngster was born in 1987 in Saskatoon and by 2005 had his first album released on Columbia Records. He has toured all over the world opening for folks like John Mayer, Liz Phair, Jason Mraz and many more. In between he's acted in TWO Broadway plays (Spring Awakening and Hair) and a few TV shows and movies. This is from his first album. Rock in style, Kyle... you almost look like vintage Rick Nelson in this shot!
7. "Wine and Roses" — Jeremy Kay (3:27)
Blazing an original trail in the Santa Barbara area outside LA, his moving to Hollywood put it all together. He’s got about six albums and myriad songs on TV shows. This is a good example of what he does, but there are other dimensions as well. I love the mood of this track. Al says he’s picked to click.
8. "Driven By a Beating Heart" — A Silent Film (3:17)
In spite of the four-on-the-floor disco undercurrent and arrangement debt to Yes, I kinda like this. It’s a well made record and you can dance to it as well. I’d give it an 8, Dick.
9. "Starting Over (Bad Habits)" — Typhoon (2:35)
This band is from Salem, Oregon but now lives in Portland. They are into experimental arrangements and carry extra violins and horns as well as percussion. This track has a taste of that as it progresses. It’s the lead-off track on their latest collection called Hunger & Thirst. Check it out if you like this one.
10. "About My Imagination" — Fred Martin & The Levite Camp (3:52)
Although uncredited, the co-lead vocals on this track are truly mesmerizing and it’s disgraceful that Chavonne Morris and Alethea Mills receive no written billing. Jackson Browne (pictured below with the group) co-produced and wrote six of the included ten songs. You would think HE’D know better! This is a great album and now they just need to learn to credit lead singers, especially since they are show-stealers. Good work by every one participating except the copy editor and a great song to depart with this week, the old man obsesses.
