mySpace music trail – Xavier Rudd, Vusi Mahlasela, Jem

I checked my bulletins today on my own mySpace page. There were two from Sapo Sueno and one from Xavier Rudd. I reviewed Sapo Sueno recently. They are having a CD release party on June 7th in Modesto, CA. So they are promoting it by sending out random bulletins like “Taco Time. Anybody want to go taco truck?” Not a bad idea when you consider that one of their songs plays when you open the bulletin.

So when I opened the bulletin message from Xavier Rudd I instantly assumed his promotion of a new song (Choices) on his page would have a song playing in the bulletin. It didn’t happen.

Now that I’m on Xavier Rudd’s page though I’ll start my mySpace music trail here.

Artist – Xavier Rudd

The song (Choices) is the first song on his playlist. It has the melodic delivery and smooth voice of a classic Xavier Rudd tune. As usual there’s a message within the poetic lyrics, although he doesn’t come across as preachy. I love the fact that Xavier is a hugely successful artist in Australia and he’s still rooted with good intentions for this world. He hasn’t lost his soul to the industry.

The second song is (Messages). It starts of with soft, slowly sung lyrics. Don’t be fooled away by this. When the Weissenborn slide guitar and foot powered stomp box start up you can’t help but remember the first time you saw Xavier play live. When the song’s tempo picks up the whole crowd starts nodding their head to both the beat and lyrics as they sing along. “You know some people they just won’t understand these things. Thank you for your message but I don’t understand these things.” When I saw him play in Byron Bay a year ago this song left an impression on me. Xavier sings of the troubles facing the indigenous, Aboriginal people of Australia. It’s as if the world has a second chance to protect the Native Americans as we screwed it up the first time around.

The third song is (Fortune Teller). Immediately you get to hear Xavier’s didgeridoo skills. He’s a one man band playing didgeridoo rather than kazoo. The lap guitar and foot drum (stomp box) drive the music further into intensity. Imagine Ben Harper back in the day when he played live shows with real intensity. Mix that with Jack Johnson’s voice and that’s Xavier Rudd live! This recorded version has the same feel as a studio version of a Ben Harper song. The comparisons run strong.

The fourth song right now is (Energy Song). It starts with a quick snare drum pacing the guitar melody. Xavier’s voice comes through and later the digiridoo again. I think this song is about environmental consciousness wrapped up with a beautiful tune that’s easy on the ears and keeps moving briskly along.

Go to Xavier Rudd’s bio page. It’s well worth the read. Also check the tour dates. He’s coming to The Attic in Santa Cruz on June 27. I will be there if I can make it!

From Xavier Rudd’s top friends I chose Vusi Mahlasela. It turns out he’s from South Africa. Neat. A quick Yahoo! Search (a Yearch!) suggests that Vusi Mahlasela is more than just a random musician. He won the “Best Male Artist of the Year” award in the South African Music Awards. His most recent album was just released in March and has guest appearances by Xavier Rudd, Dave Matthews, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo…all names you should know, or get to know.

Artist – Vusi Mahlasela

The first song is (Jabula). It starts out with guitars singing in a round. Then a whistle joins the round. Later the singing starts and it’s in another language. It doesn’t sound like Afrikaans. The song is easy to listen to and has a quick pace. I recommend checking it out.

The second song from Vusi is (Heaven in My Heart). It’s an English language song that starts out sounding like an old Irish tale with an almost Caribbean feel, a new sound for me. The song is beautifully arranged and upbeat. I’m not sure it’s my taste but for those who dig it I’m sure it’s great. You know, even I dig it.

The third song is (Thula Mama). I love this song! It’s blunt, filled with skatting, and wonderful lyric delivery. Not to mention it has a good message. “Tomorrow is gonna be better. Thula Mama. My hero mama.” I’m not sure if some of the skatting might actually be lyrics in another language. Either way I like it.

The fourth song is (Everytime). Vusi’s folk/world/blues/soul style comes through on this track. I would consider this song both radio and cafe friendly. This is the kind of song that comes on and people perk up their ears and wonder who it is. “It sounds like someone but I can’t put my finger on it,” they’ll say. Enjoy the song for what it is, I say.

From Vusi Mahlasela’s top friends I chose to click on Jem. She is one of the guest performers on one of Vusi’s tracks. I’ve never heard of her so let’s check her out. Her profile info has a funny line on it. “Sounds Like: me!”

Artist – Jem

The first track (Come On Closer) sounds cool from the start. It’s got a beat Jay-Z could write. Jem’s lines are a beat shorter than the measure, so each line is separate from the next. It works. This song seems like it would be a good fit at a house party. Stack it between two songs while you’re looking for the next record. The room keeps moving while you do your thing.

The second track (They) is something I’m familiar with. I recognize the beat. Who produced this track? It’s got to be someone famous, or famous now. “I’m sorry. So sorry. It’s like this. I’m sorry. So sorry. They do this.” Those lines are the chorus. You’ve probably heard the song before but never new it was Jem. Or maybe that’s just me. I love the choir-esque background loop.

The third track is (Just A Ride). It’s like a folk song with an electronica background. This is a song you’d listen to at work to make the day keep moving. “It’s just a ride, just a ride.” There’s nothing too spectacular about the song except that it’s cool in a subtle way. Check it out, at work, to make the day go by. : P

The fourth, and final, track is (24). I love the orchestrated loop in the background. The singing is spot on. This song is radio friendly. I’m not sure I’ve listened to any of the lyrics. Oh wait, I’m tuning in for a second. The song has meaning. I like it for other reasons though.

Today’s mySpace music trail started with the Australian superstar Xavier Rudd. Then I checked out Vusi Mahlasela. It turned out Xavier Rudd appeared on Vusi’s latest release. And by curiosity alone I checked out Jem. She too performed on Vusi’s latest CD release.

All three artists are worth listening to, each of them in their own style.

mySpace music trail – Supersuckers, Saba Munster, Once Soundtrack

A friend of mine recently invited me by text message to go see the band Supersuckers play. I’d never heard of them.

Her: “Do you want to go see the Supersuckers at Slim’s?”
Me: Not really. When?
Her: Not until July.

I didn’t reply back again but my first thought was I should check them out on mySpace and start my next music trail with them.

Here we go.

Artist #1 – Supersuckers

The first song that came up was (Gato Negro). The first thing you notice in this rock band is their lyrics. “When I’m not sleeping I’m taking a nap. And I’m sure you know just how I feel. I assure you I am real.” The music itself is that of a seasoned bar band.

The second song I played was (Paid). This song was a bit slower than Gato Negro. It’s not a soft piece though. “I have to press on cause there’s no other way. You gotta work and you gotta get paid.” That’s the chorus of this one. I can picture the crowd nodding along with their 3rd or 4th plastic cup of cheap beer, closing their eyes as the guitarist solos, and maybe trying to chant along when the backup vocalist chants “work”.

The third song for me was (Pretty Fucked Up). “She’s got a man on the side. She’s probably with him today… She used to be pretty. But now she just pretty fucked up.” This song is decent. I enjoy these rock bands more when I can hear the lyrics over the power chords. This song is good for that.

The last song on their playlist was (Breaking Honey’s He…). I assume it’s Breaking Honey’s Heart but mySpace cuts off the title when it’s too long. This song is a softer rock song, a ballad if you will. A little harmonica tossed in for good measure. Some melody in the delivery. I like this better than the heavier rockin’ of Gato Negro. Personal preference though. Both are quality performances.

So will I join my friend for the Supersuckers show at Slim’s? Probably not. Maybe though. Sometimes the best shows are the ones where you don’t have any expectations.

From the Supersuckers site I clicked on Zenova’s page.

She was first in their top friends. On her page was the song (Dirty Blouse feat Yasi) by Saba Munster.

Artist #2 – Saba Munster

(Dirty Blouse feat Yasi) is a story about some experience from the artist’s youth. I’d describe it as synth-pop. Strange sound and I liked it. Add it to your Imogen Heap playlist and you’ll be alright.

I wasn’t convinced I should go to Saba Munster’s page to listen to the rest of his work but I figured why not. The second song is (BAT). It’s electronica pop storytelling. Saba covers up his musicals talents with vocoder stylings. The song is ok, easy to listen to.

Song number three? Again, why not. (Mr Scurvy) starts off slow and gets more energized as it goes on. I think this is another cafe-friendly track. You might remember Ingrid Michaelson http://www.myspace.com/ingridmichaelson earned this classification too. Mr Scurvy has a little electronica, a little guitar strumming, and some mildly emotional lyric delivery.

On to number four. Oh look at that it’s (Dirty Blouse Altered). This time there’s a female singer singing the duet with Mr. Munster. The story of their youthful love-capades comes across better with this duet version. I’m not going back to check but I think this version is a little slower than the version featuring Yasi. Oh, I know why. There’s only a piano this time, not electronica synth-pop.

Moving on.

One of Saba Munster’s top friends is someone named Golnessa. I like the name. Let’s check her out. Ohhh! Private account. I like her quote though. “laziness is the life of the soul and activity is the life of the ego.” I haven’t heard that one before. Maybe I will add her to my friend’s list.

Going back. Who else can I listen to?

Delara has a fun picture. Let’s check out her page.

She’s got (Falling Slowly) from the Once Soundtrack on her page. It’s a sappy love song. Quality singing. Well arranged. Beautiful sound. I dig it.

I think I’ll stop here.

Today I started with the Supersuckers.
Liked Zenova’s name and picture.
Followed the link to Saba Munster.
Tried Golnessa’s page.
Then finished it off with a song from the Once Soundtrack on Delara’s page.

mySpace music trail – Sapo Sueno and others

So here I am on mySpace checking out pretty people and the music they listen to, and the music they play too. I start my mySpace music trail today at the website of Sapo Sueno. They’re a band from Modesto, California. I showed up at Club Waziema on Divisadero to hear a throwback bluegrass band whose name escapes me right now. When I sat down near a table it turns out I sat amongst the friends of the band Sapo Sueno. Or maybe I was with the band itself, I’m not sure. They had just finished their set so I didn’t see them in action. I did meet the singer and he gave me a cd to listen to. Now that leads us into today’s music.

Musician #1: Sapo Sueno

The first song that came up is (Something to Find). It’s a ballad I suppose and it’s really freakin’ good! Listen to it once. Then listen to it again. You’ll have a new song and melody stuck in your head for the rest of the day until you go back and listen to it again tomorrow. Good luck with that.

The second song was (Behind Closed Eyes). It reminds me of the song Voodoo from a band I never really listened to, Godsmack. The songs aren’t similar in the least but maybe you’ll hear what I heard that brought the song to mind. Behind Closed Eyes has all of the elements of a great song. It’s multi-layered and textured. I like Something to Find better though.

The third song on their page right now is (Princess To Be Queen). This song is one key reason why Sapo Sueno has been compared to Dave Matthews Band. From the song structure to the guitar melody to the singing style. They’ve captured Dave from back in the day when I listened to him. Think of the album Crash and you’re in the right era. Princess To Be Queen could take Sapo Sueno places.

So after listening to these three songs I really wanted to go directly to Keri Noble’s page rather than finding someone on Sapo Sueno’s page to link to. After a quick mySpace search I found her and now I can’t help but listen to her sweet sounds. I’m here now.

Musician #2: Keri Noble

The first song is (Emily). Keri sings well written lyrics delivered with a passion only someone truly interested in what she’s singing about could offer. Emily is worth a listen.

The second song is (Watch Me Walk). I think this was a big hit song from a few years ago. As I understand it Keri was signed to one of those big labels for awhile. She toured the world then left the big label. I saw Keri perform in Manhattan at a small club with some of her friends. They rotated through their performances. Keri was head and shoulders above the rest. Her powerful voice and tenderness drew me in completely. Watch Me Walk makes me want to stop and listen.

The third song is (Born Again). The first notes make me think of an old blues song. Keri’s voice is in utter control throughout this tune. Add this to your playlist.

The fourth song is (Hey Lover). This song is well crafted, well sung, and fine tuned. It could work it’s way into a playlist based on Keri’s interpretation of the words in her delivery but overall it feels like just another good song. Live I’m sure I would be engrossed in it. Recorded it’s just good music.

From Keri Noble’s page I decided to jump back onto that music trail I diverged from. One of the people in Keri’s top friends is Brandi Carlile. She has a song currently being pushed heavily on VH1. She’s one of those artists on the rise. So let’s check out her other work too and see what she has for us.

Musician #3: Brandi Carlile

The first song is (The Story). This is the song being pushed on VH1. I really like this song. It’s got a tiny bit of that twang of old country that I like. And when her voice goes into that controlled crack I want to drop what I’m doing to focus on listening. I think I might even play it again right now before going on to the next song. Hold please.

I changed my mind and went on to the second song. It’s called (Turpentine). She’s a storyteller. A folk singing spinner of tales, or maybe memories. It sounds like she’s got some long lost hopes and dreams that haunt her. I bet she’s played this song in clubs for years. I think it would be good to hear in a small venue.

The third song is (Late Morning Lullaby). Brandi has power in her voice. She sings with a backup band and backup singers chime in too. I wonder if she could carry a show with just her guitar and her voice. I think she probably could. The girl is overflowing with talent. Whether you like this form of rock is personal. Personally, I do.

The fourth song is (Have You Ever). It’s got that standard folk song guitar picking. Add to that a well written modern folk song and this little ditty is well worth a listen. Brandi adds a dimension to her music that doesn’t seem kitchy and fake in the least. She uses her intensity to capture the audience and draw it into her world. Add this song to your playlist.

On the trail again. The first person in Brandi Carlile’s top friends that I chose had her profile set to private. I could try to add her as a friend to see if she’d play along with this project of mine. Maybe once I’m famous people will be opening up their “doors” to me. For now I think she would think me a freak.

Next!

I chose Caleb. “Song has been deleted by the artist.” Great. I’ll choose someone else.

YES! The link for Natalia pulls up a page with a song playing on it. Here we go.

Musician #4: Ingrid Michaelson

The song on Natalia’s page is (Keep Breathing). It’s a soft song. Regina Spekter would be proud. For all I know they’re sisters. Wouldn’t that be a hoot if that turned out to be the case. Ha! The song starts slow and soft, rises to a crescendo in the middle, and repeats the same chorus over and over. Good song. I’d listen to it again if it came up.

Song #2 is (The Way I Am). Good ol’ small venue folk singer style. My favorite kind these days. It’s got lyrics worth listening to but meaningless all the same. This song has more plays than the others in her list. I’m guessing it’s being played and promoted by someone. Speaking of that. She’s playing The Hotel Utah on June 2nd in SF. Maybe I’ll go check her out.

The third song is (Breakable). It’s a piano driven song. She’s singing sweet sounds and variable lyrics. It’s not a show stopper but who needs a playlist full of show stoppers. Have you ever tried to listen to an hours worth of Frank Sinatra? It gets repetitive.

The fourth song is (Corner Of Your Heart). It starts out with piano and some sort of eery sound effect repeating in the background. It sounds like she’s singing a duet with someone. This song epitomizes why I like Ingrid’s sound. She is perfect coffee shop music. I love coffee shop music. It’s not radio friendly, it’s cafe friendly.

With that I think I’m done with this little music trail.

Today I started with Sapo Sueno.
Got sidetracked by Keri Noble.
Followed a link to check out more of Brandi Carlile.
Was misled until I found Natalia who served up some Ingrid Michaelson.

And now I know what I’m doing on June 2nd, Hotel Utah for Ingrid Michaelson. Brandi Carlile’s upcoming show is sold out. Keri Noble will start touring in the Fall. And Sapo Sueno has an upcoming CD release in Modesto on June 7th. If I can make it out there I’ll be there.

mySpace music trail – Natalie Day

In my first mySpace music trail I ended up wandering around and found Natalie Day. I listened to one song and planned to listen to the other. Well I had a chance to listen to (Reasons) tonight. Superb!

I am so glad I went back. Natalie Day has a beautiful sound. You can tell she cares about the things she’s singing about.

As I scrolled through her comments section I also discovered that the Lewie Day I found first is actually her brother. So Lewie is a kick ass DJ and his sister Natalie is a kick ass folk rocker. FOLK YEAH!

mySpace music trail – May 11, 2007

I spend my days following links on the interweb. I also want to promote musicians who don’t get the exposure they should have. So here’s my foray into “going where the wind takes me” on mySpace while listening to music. Not such a bad job to have. I like it alot.

Here’s today’s trail:

I started out on http://www.myspace.com/elisedoesntcare. Elise had the song (Funny Little Feeling) by Rock N Roll Soldiers on her page. And it was good.

I followed the link to the band’s page and listend to their available songs.

The song (Black) was just ok.
The song (Guns Out) was good.
The song (Soldiers Fortune) wasn’t very good.

Then I clicked on Hannah Keefe’s photo in the friends section. The song (The Ties Acoustic) came up. It was OK good.
(A Toast To You) was next. It had a nice sound.

You can tell Hannah wants to be a singer because she has things she’s written, not because she sings and wrote songs afterward. Maybe I’m wrong though. I don’t know for sure. She has potential but these recordings aren’t perfected. They are easy to listen to so that’s what matters.

(Ghostlover) was last. It’s missing something. It feels flat.

I accidentally went back to Elise’ page and followed a link to one of her “friends”,
Northern Beaches Fashion Collective

The music that came up is (The Blistering Barnacle) by Lewie Day. It’s electronica. Good too.

So I followed the link to the Lewie Day page. (I Wanna Live) was next. It started out well and finished smoothly.

(Amiel Beyourgirl) was next. The song was layered, yet simple. Easy background music.

(Striptease) was last. It’s easy to listen to. Musically it isn’t complex or groundbreaking.

I wanted to go back to Hannah’s page to follow the original link train but I couldn’t help but go to Natalie Day’s page. She and Lewie Day have the same last name and she was in his friend’s list.

(Train Rolls On) played first. It’s folk. I like folk. This song was really good, if you like folk.

(Reasons) was her only other song. I actually ended up closing my browser for other reasons before I listened to (Reasons). I need to go back because I wanted to like her music.

When I opened the browser again I started over at OohGabrielle’s page. She’s a neo hippie with great taste. On her friend’s list was a dude with big reddish hair. I admired the pic and clicked on it.

Oldmanriver is the artist. The song (Sunshine) came up. I like it. Very 60’s hippie groovy!

And that’s where things ended for the day. Curt and unexpectedly. So it is. So it was.

First “walnotes” post

The idea behind “walnotes” is that I’m Walter and I’m going to start writing notes on my trips down mySpace lane.  Someday I’ll write a little walnote about your music.  Until then I hope I help you find some new music worth listening to.