mySpace music trail – Cinematic Orchestra, Angelo Badalamenti, Blonde Redhead

I’m feeling better this week. I still want my yellow shirt back but we’ll see if that happens. HA! It makes me think of “Give me my money back. Give me my money back. Give me my money back, you bitch. And don’t forget my black t-shirt.” Name the artist.

It also makes me think of the Tour de France. The leader of the 3 week event wears the yellow rider’s jersey. My yellow shirt has less significance but I’d like it back all the same.

As my head is less clouded I’m hoping I can write a better music trail today. I’m going to start on OoooohGabrielle’s page again. She’s the one who turned me on to Patrick Watson and Old Man River. Gotta love this Aussie girl.

Artist #1 – The Cinematic Orchestra

(To Build A Home) is the song on Gabi’s page. I love this tune. From the opening piano chords to the all-too-soon finish it’s beautiful. The slow start and rising action draw me in as they’re intended. The high voice of the male singer sounds almost falsetto. It also sounds like Patrick Watson. I bet it is. Probably his “other band”. You know how artists do that. They play one style with one band and another style with their “other band”. Think of The White Stripes vs. The Roccanteurs.

[Editor's Note: I checked and it is Patrick Watson singing on the track. I so fuckin' rule!]

(Colours) is the second song from The Cinematic Orchestra that I get to enjoy. It’s an instrumental piece so far. I think it’ll keep on keepin’ on. A little piano. A little picked acoustic guitar. Some other instruments I can’t or don’t care to indentify. {Maybe I don’t rule.} This piece is good but doesn’t strike me like (To Build A Home). Well worth a listen though. Different style is all.

(Breathe) is the third track. It’s a soulful mellow piece so far. Let’s see where they take it. The vocals sound a little like a Moby song. The one from the Green Mile soundtrack if I remember correctly. This song is nothing like a Moby song though. It’s almost chilling. Great track if you’re in the mood. Last week I think I would have cried. Hahaha… thank goodness for the fuckit quotient.

{Editor’s Note: The fuckit quotient is something the editor refers to when you’ve reached a point where you’ve done all you can or care to do. At that point you most frequently say “Fuck it” with a casual disregard for what happens next.}

The last song available right now is (Child Song). It has the least plays on their page. I wonder why. Maybe people are expecting more after hearing (To Build A Home). I admit the other songs are in a different category but they’re all good. Maybe mySpace only counts a listen if you listen to the whole track. (Child Song) doesn’t have a whole lot going for it in terms of flavor. A good chunk of the first part of the song is OK but not great. Then it drifts into jazz piano and a snare drum. Decent sure. Exceptional, mind blowing, engrossing? Well not so much.

If you’re interested you can check them out at Bimbo’s 365 club in San Francisco in September. Various vocalists will be performing with them throughout their tour. Cross your fingers for Patrick Watson but check his page first. I think he’s touring Europe at that time. Fat chance he’ll be in this town of ours.

From The Cinematic Orchestra’s top friends I’ll pick no one. I was scrolling through the comments and found someone I wanted to click on. So by random chance Gus Gus makes it into my mySpace music trail.

Drat!

Gus Gus has (Breathe) by The Cinematic Orchestra on his page. It sounds so good though, especially as I wasn’t expecting to hear it. It’s such a fresh track.

OK. Let’s try this again. From Gus Gus’ top friends I’ll pick Pensieri Dolci.

Drat again! She’s set to private. Probably has to do that to keep stalkers away. What? Who? Me? : )

Round three. I should have done the right thing and stuck to the trail. But nooooo. I had to go where the moment took me.

I’ve picked Ryson from Gus Gus’ top friends. He’s got music playing. Yes! The song has style. Ryson’s photo makes it look like he has style. Things are looking good so far.

Artist #2 – Angelo Badalamenti

(Go Get Some) is the track. It’s sort of a haunting instrumental piece. Like scratching violin mixed over loops of beats and a guitar. It’s working for me as background music. Play it while you read or study or you’re working in your garage, if you have one.

So this is a little awkward. Ryson has a jukebox on his page so I can’t go directly to the artist page. Let me see if they have one. If they do then I’ll listen to more of their music.

And they do. Or he do. Or he does. It turns out he’s a composer. Looks to be famous too.

(Half Heart) is the first track that comes up on his mySpace page. It’s a classical, ambient piece, completely different from (Go Get Some). I have to admit it makes me feel like I’m in an old folk’s home. The song isn’t doing it for me. Sure, it’s well produced but there’s something lousy about it. I can’t wait for the next track.

The next track is (The Butterfly). This song is much better than (Half Heart). The vocalist is good. The action within the orchestration ebbs and flows enough to keep my interest. Good tune.

(Shelly Quits) is the next track. It opens with a bass line and ambience of a song in an 80’s or 90’s movie. Whoa. The song is rather short. I’m guessing it was a piece used in a movie. You don’t need to have 3 1/2 minutes for non-radio work.

(Holocaust of the Ch…) is the last track. I wonder what Ch… stands for. Thanks mySpace for giving so much space for such an essential element. This instrumental piece sounds like something from maybe The Twilight Zone. It’s really from Evil Enko though. I wonder what that movie is about.

Angelo Badalamenti is known most for his compositions for Blue Velvet, Twin Peaks, and Mulholland Drive. I guess he’s the shit. Out of context and just listening on mySpace it doesn’t move me quite so much. Although I can see how it would all fit in a movie.

I want to find one more artist to review. From Angelo Badalamenti’s top friends I’ll choose Rebecca.

YES! She’s got Blonde Redhead. First off I can totally relate with my own head of strawberry blonde hair. Secondly I’ve been wanting to hear them.

Artist #3 – Blonde Redhead

(Spring And By Summer) is the track on Rebecca’s page. Someone has posted a comment on her profile that reads “you have great taste in music.” Well Blackheart Society is right. This song is an upbeat gem. Finally something upbeat today. I couldn’t tell you what any of the lyrics are but it doesn’t matter in the least. The song moves quickly and it’s easy on the ears. Don’t get me wrong it’s not a fluff piece. It rocks out in an easy on the ears kind of way.

(23) is the next track. The female singer has a high voice that works well with the sound. I tend to find “alternative” bands a little bland these days. (23) is solid and frothy though. It foams with goodness. Check it out. You’ll see.

(Silently) is the third and final song available on Blonde Redhead’s page. I’m diggin’ it. There are multiple changes within the song. Beats and textures blend in and out of the vocalists melodic delivery. I feel a little emotion while listening to it. That connection right there is priceless for a band.

I think that’s enough for today. I need to prepare for an interview. I may have to start working again.

In today’s mySpace music trail I started out with OohGabrielle’s page. She has great taste in music and had The Cinematic Orchestra on her page. I had to steal her song again and put in on my profile. That’s like three times now.

From Cinematic Orchestra’s comments section I found Gus Gus. After failing to find new music on his and on one of his top friend’s pages I eventually ended up on Ryson’s page.

Ryson had Angelo Badalamenti playing in his jukebox. Turns out he’s a famous composer. New to me though.

From Angelo Badalamenti’s top friends I ended up listening to Blonde Redhead via Rebecca’s page. Blonde Redhead were the upbeat band of the day. Finally something to rock out too! I missed them at Coachella this year. Doh.

Until next time,
Walter

mySpace music trail – Jolie Holland, The Be Good Tanyas

I’ve been in a lull this week. I love the euphoria of being with someone. Then I give too much and overwhelm them. Sooner or later they step back and ask me to move on. All the while I think I can offer a new approach if they’ll let me. But at that point it’s already too late. I hate the fall that follows the euphoria. SUCKS!

I used to write a lot. I wrote this years ago. And this too.

And on a separate note, I found a joke in the comments section of Obo Martin’s page.

“¿What did silence say to the ocean? …..
SHHhhhhHHHHHhhhh”

Artist #1 – Jolie Holland

The first song is (Springtime Can Kill You). If you like the quivering voice of a classic jazz/folk singer then you’ll want to give this song a chance. It’s chill so be prepared to kick it for a few minutes. This song is completely cafe friendly.

(Crazy Dreams) is the next song. The tempo is slow, really slow. I could picture hearing this song in the background during a movie scene. Most likely while scenes of the main character going through the motions of deliberating a decision pass by. The song is good. I’m not in the mood for something so slow right now though.

The third song is (Old Fashioned Morphine). I like this song a lot. I even added it to my own mySpace profile. It has the bounce I like in a song. The simple guitar, snare drum and clarinet matched with a little muted trumpet are music to my ears. Not to mention the smooth delivery of Ms. Jolie Holland. It’s funny how I can like dance music, punk/ska, and simple alternative jazz/folk like this too. Such contrasts in style but it’s all good if the artists strike me.

The last song available is (Black Hand Blues). It’s a blues tune with the classic delivery Jolie brings to the table. It works for me. Simple and listenable. It’s the kind of song you want to share with someone when you find it. If I had a glass of lemonade and I was sitting on a wooden rocking chair on my front porch then I’d surely want this to be playing from inside the house.

Two thumbs up for Jolie Holland. I love the tunes. From her top friends I’ll choose The Be Good Tanyas. I’ve known the name for years but I’ve never listened to them. Obo Martin has a fun song referencing them also.

Artist #2 – The Be Good Tanyas

The first song that came up is (Song For R). It’s a mid-tempo song about caring for someone, from what I gather. I’m not the best at keeping track of song lyrics. The sounds are piano driven, soft and sweet. There’s a slow mandolin in the background. It would be good to point out that this is a sad song. I like it but it kinda brings me down right now.

(Human Thing) is next for me. It starts out with acoustic guitar and a harmonica setting the tone. I like this folksy tune. This Canadian trio have a sound that captures a little of Janis Joplin, without all of the drug induced haze. If I hadn’t just added a Jolie Holland song to my profile I would surely add this song. Maybe I’ll come back and change it later today.

The third song is (Momsong). Driven by meaningful lyrics, a slowly strummed acoustic guitar rhythm, and a plucked mandolin, this folk tune feels good to me. The vocals are powerful and beautiful. Take a minute to savor this one.

The last song is (The Littlest Birds). Starting out with a harmony to die for this tune captures the essence of music in all of it’s soul touching beauty. If every song was like this the world would live in peace. OK maybe that’s not even close to accurate. But imagine if you had a song like this in every musical genre. Something you could sit back and smile to because you’ve been touched.

I think I’m going to stop my mySpace music trail here for today. I tried to listen to The Boneless Children Foundation earlier but only two songs would play so that will have to wait for another day. I also listened to a little Carvell Wallace. The song (Help Me) shows his command of the stage. Check him out before I include him in my Walnotes in full.

I started my mySpace music trail with Jolie Holland today. She’s got a sound to relax to. The quiver in her voice adds a texture to the songs that she couldn’t capture in any other way.

From Jolie’s top friends I chose The Be Good Tanyas. They’re really good. I’d been meaning to listen to them for years. Finally I did. It’s about time.

mySpace music trail – Heather Lauren

Today is just another day in paradise.  San Francisco is a beautiful place to live despite the fog that can overwhelm things on a regular basis.  Today is in fact sunny though!

Today’s mySpace music trail isn’t going to be like the others.  I just want to fill you in on what I’ve been listening to.

Artist #1 – Heather Lauren

She has a great song called (Sense of Me   Acoustic) that you should check out.  And she does a cover of an Iron & Wine song called (Jezebel) that does it justice, albeit in her style rather than his.

I highly recommend checking out (How Can You Say).  And if you like the song you need to check out the live recording I made for her.

In a similar vein you need to listen to (Out of The Child) too.  I love the live version and haven’t listened to the mySpace version yet.

mySpace music trail – Crookedmouth, Kings of Leon, Joy Division

I made my first slew of commercials recently. You can find them at my YouTube channel. I’m excited about the prospect of making a better MUNI commercial. I’m trying to sell more MUNI shirts (www.cafepress.com/walnotes). I’ll embed the video so you can see the first attempt.

Artist #1 – Crookedmouth
Bondi Beach, New South Wales, Australia

(It’s Happenin) is the first song on their page. This track is fresh. The lyrics are mildly meaningful. Better still is that they’re intelligible. You can understand what they’re singing/rapping about. I’m digging the music behind the lyrics as well. The song has a good feel about it. I couldn’t tell you what it’s about, but does that matter?

(‘not like that’) comes up next. This is a white boy R&B song. Think of a local band version of N’Sync and you’ll have an idea. It sounds pretty goo, or maybe it’s just easy on the ears. Not the best song ever but it’s cool they’re doing their thing.

The last track available from Crookedmouth is (This is for my Hustler’s). They’re working it on this one. They rap and try to sound intense and hard. It’s cool though. Normally groups resort to swearing, being derogatory to women, and representin’. Crookedmouth is content with potent lyric delivery. It sounds like a low-budget group but give them time and maybe they’ll blossom.

From Crookedmouth’s top friends I chose Jack the Hat. They have a picture that reminds me of the skulls from Dia de los Muertos. Jack the Hat has (On Call) by Kings of Leon on their page.

Artist #2 – Kings of Leon

(On Call) starts out sounding really good. I like the singer’s inflections. I love base driven songs. There is a little rock and roll in this track, otherwise it fits the name of alternative rock and I like it a lot. If you like the beginning of this song you’ll like the whole thing. Seems straightforward but it’s not always true. Some songs get dull after a minute or so. This one feels good all the way through.

(Fans) is the second track on the Kings of Leon page. It starts out with a little acoustic guitar and electric guitar reverb. Then the singer begins with drum accompaniment. It’s a rock song. The singer’s delivery makes this band who it is. There’s something to it. Something more like when what’s his name from Aerosmith sings. You know, Liv Tyler’s dad.

The third song is (Charmer). It starts out with a bass line. The drums chime in and the song begins. I love the screams. They’re so stylistic. Crazy how a scream band sucks ass while a few rhythmically placed screams can become a hook. This is another rock song but it’s so much more. There’s more than your typical 4:4 time monotony. It reminds me of The Violent Femmes. Awesome!

(Molly’s Chambers) from their 2003 Album is the last track available right now. I swear I’ve heard this tune before. Maybe it’s similar to something I’ve heard. I can’t tell. Oh I know. They’ve probably used the chorus in a commercial. That’s gotta be it. The song itself is good. Typical rock song with a little bit of flair. That flair keeps me interested.

From The Kings of Leon’s top friends I’ll choose ::: New Killer Star Cherrylicious. She’s got Joy Division’s (Love Will Tear Us Apart) on her page.

Artist #3 – Joy Division

(Love Will Tear Us Apart) is a song everyone probably knows. I have to admit that I didn’t know it was a Joy Division song though. Most likely I’ve heard a cover version because there’s something about this version that sounds different to me.

I’ve never listened to Joy Division intentionally before. So despite wanting to give exposure to bands who may not have it otherwise I think I’ll give them a listen.

(She’s Lost Control) is the second track on the Joy Division page. It’s songs like this that make me wonder why a band like this is so immensely popular. The guitar riff is solid. The music is good. And the singer is good too. It’s just that the song doesn’t move me. It’s just a song. Maybe it was revolutionary for the time when it came out. I’m not putting the band down I just don’t know enough about them to understand. [Note: The singer's voice in this song reminds me of the singer from Interpol in the song (Evil).]

It’s time for track three. Maybe that’ll help.

(Transmission) is the third song. It’s got an extended musical intro. The whole song has a solid bass line running through it. I like that. I like that you could probably trip out to this song. I don’t trip out with recreational drugs but I love music and videos that are tailored for that crowd. My mind doesn’t need altering to get into it. This song absorbed me.

(Atmosphere) is the last song available on the Joy Division page. I think I know why I wasn’t impressed before. The singer sings funny. In this song you can hear it right away. It’s as if he didn’t have the perfect pitch so he went the other way and just sang his own way. Fuck perfection and give me style. That works for me. I like the musical styling too. It’s atypical rock. Just my style.

While trying to remember the name Interpol earlier I ended up at the Interpol myspace page. I’ll have to review them tomorrow.

Today I started out my mySpace music trail with Crookedmouth. I must have saved their mySpace page in my favorites at some point because they keep appearing in my URL bar when I type mySpace.com even after I clear my cache. So I finally listened to them.

From Crookedmouth I went to one of their top friend’s pages. That person had Kings of Leon playing. Good stuff. I’ve been meaning to check them out for awhile now.

From Kings of Leon I chose their top friend. She had Joy Division on her page. I’ve been meaning to listen to Joy Division too.

I almost listened to Interpol at the end of my trail but decided to wait on them for tomorrow.

mySpace music trail – Jelly Donut, Lady Sov, Jamie DeWolf

I’ve been trying to find someone in my top friends with music playing on their page. So far I found Lizzie with Christina Aguilara’s Dirrrrty video. And I found Mo’s page with a video of Britney Spears having a conversation while high, or drunk, or I sure hope she’s on something because she sounds like an idiot.

Moving on now I need to find some music to review.

Artist #1 – MC Jelly Donut

Check out Jelly Donut. This is one hilarious pastry. Everyone needs a gimmick, right? Fresh Prince had his bit about thinking he could beat Mike Tyson. Ozzie Osbourne ate off a bird’s head during a concert. MC Jelly Donut wears a donut costume while freestyle rapping. Check out the rap battle where he kicks some Oakland booty.

Adding to the whole charade is a real beef with Lady Sovereign. Lady Sov won’t even perform in the Bay Area anymore because she’s afraid of the Donut taunting her from the crowd again.

Good times! Bring it Lady Sov. Jelly Donut’s ready for a second date.

Man, this mySpace music trail is as random as Lady Sovereign’s song of the same name.

“Artist #2″ – Lady Sovereign

The song on the date with Zach Slow and Jelly Donut is (Random). It’s a song that helped her make a name for herself. I think it’s alright but very kitchy. There are lots of effects and loops. And she sings with an accent I wouldn’t call British. My guess is she’ll sparkle and fade.

From Jelly Donut’s top friends I picked Jamie DeWolf. I’ve seen him perform at a poetry slam in Berkeley once. He was the best performer there, hands down!

Artist #3 – Jamie DeWolf

(Bumpin’ Uglies Live) is first. POWERFUL PERFORMANCE! Jamie doesn’t just tell jokes. He gets on the mic and controls the situation. In this bit he’s rationalizing with his girlfriend as to why she’s not fat. Of course that’s an impossible task and his absurd rationale makes it so much funnier. “I could get a hard-on watching you clean your ears with a Q-tip.”

(Talk Hard Live) is the second bit. It’s another live performance. I love the crowd cheering at the Starry Plough. It adds so much to Jamie’s aggressive style. “Breeder’s represent!” “Write how you fuck cause some of us like it raw … and some of us don’t make love all of the time.”

(Burnin’ Dough with Jelly Donut) is the third track on Jamie’s page. It’s a rap featuring Jelly D. I have to take you back to the earlier reference to DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince. It’s raw and old school. Dirty rhymes and simple beats. This is the kind of music that never makes the radio, doesn’t work at a club, could never fit in a cafe, but makes your day if you get the chance to hear it. Something different to make you feel alive again.

(Rebels Without Applause) is the last track. I wish mySpace would give titles more room. This is another live comedy bit. It’s a bit deeper than the other tracks. Jamie’s talking about his experiences teaching poetry to troubled kids. SOLID! Kids deserve someone like Jamie who can inspire and influence them.

I think I’m done for today.

I started the mySpace music trail with a video clip of Britney Spears “high”. Then moved on to find Jelly Donut kicking cream in a freestyle rap battle. From this I ended up reviewing one of Lady Sovereign’s songs.

In Jelly Donut’s top friends I found Jamie DeWolf. I saw him perform at the Starry Plough in Berkeley once. That night I thought it was Jamie Kennedy. I was wrong. But Jamie DeWolf is funnier anyway.  You can check him out at Tourette’s Without Regret’s in Oakland.

mySpace music trail – Above and Beyond, Andy Moor, David West

{Note: Go to http://www.islandfestival.com. It’s in two weeks on Whidbey Island, near Seattle. You’re guaranteed to have a good time.}

I haven’t written much poetry in awhile. I wonder if my old stuff is any good. I’m thinking of posting the old ones to a wordpress blog on a daily basis just to see if there’s any feedback. I wanted to do that a long time ago when I was writing but the blog interfaces weren’t up to speed yet. Keep an eye out for a side tab on this blog. Maybe I’ll mix business with pleasure.

I’m starting today’s mySpace music trail with a good dance mix on Lady Light’s page. The track is called (Good For Me Club Mix). The artist is Above and Beyond.

Artist #1 – Above and Beyond

The first track on their mySpace page is (Oceanic). It’s trance/electronic/club music. The first minute or so is sounding good. The rest of it was just as good. It’s a typical good club song.

The second track is (Good For Me Club Mix). I think this is an Imogen Heap track they’ve mixed into a club song. [Editor's Note: I tried to find the source of the original song and failed.] I love this track. I think I’m in one of those moods where I appreciate caring words from one person to another. The mix is done well too so you really can’t go wrong with this one.

(Can’t Sleep) is the third track on Above and Beyond’s page. It’s another club mix of a good song. These guys do good work. I don’t know the genre well enough but I’d say the throbbing beat makes this trance music. It reminds me of Goa trance.

I was checking out their page a bit more and I can’t help but notice they have a label called Anjunabeats. It takes me back to my week-long stay in Anjuna (in Goa, India) in December of 2005. Has it really been a year and a half already?!

The first night in Anjuna I walked along the beach trying to find the source of the music that was pulsating through the blackness of the night air. I found it at the end of the beach at a rave. It was exactly as I thought a beach rave should be. I danced a little and spent a good amount of time just sitting in the sand enjoying the ambience. I’ve been told that I live my life high and on that night drugs would have only taken me higher.

The last track on Above and Beyond’s mySpace page right now is (Air For Life). It’s another trance track. There’s a solid mix of beats, ambient sounds, kick ass vocals and timing. Add it to your playlist to listen when you go for a run. Or pop your head back and dance your ass off!

I tend to get bored of repetitive beats, guitar solos, and generic rock music. Above and Beyond has been a great escape from that lull. It makes me want to go to Ruby Skye and pretend I fit in. It’s been a while since I’ve been there. Something about $10 drinks and the meat market I can’t and don’t care to compete in.

From Above and Beyond’s top friend’s I’ll choose Andy Moor.

Artist #2 – Andy Moor

The first track that comes up is (Andy Moor vs. Orkide). It’s good and consistent with the club electronica genre. I didn’t find it evocative in any way but if you’re at a dance club you would expect to have something like this in the mix all night long.

The second track I’m attempting to listen to is (Daydream). It’s not playing for some reason. I’ll have to come back.

The next track is (Delerium Angelicus …). Good ol’ fashioned trance music. I love the angelic singing. It really adds to the experience for me. Dance beats alone don’t cut it. I have to have some vocals now and again or it all blends together.

The last track is a familiar tune. Andy Moor vs. Above and Beyond for a remix of (Air For Life). I like what Andy added to the mix. It’s another layer of symphonic sounds and beats that you can live without, but if you’ve got them why not enjoy them. Not to mention that they speed the song up a bit. I dig it.

I think I want more. From Andy Moor’s top friends I’ll choose David West and see what happens.

Artist #3 – David West

The first track starts out with some 606 if I’ve got my synths memorized correctly. My old roommate Jon had all of them so I don’t remember which one makes which sound. The track is (Welsh Morphology). It progresses into a solid trance/club track. The beat is good. The pace is steady. The vocals are mixed in well. And the timing is as it should be.

(Searching For Subst…) is next. I’m guessing mySpace shortened the name from (Searching For Substance). The track is mid-tempo electronica. I like the flute usage. It’s working for me. At a club this would be a good break between up-tempo tracks. It keeps the party going without overwhelming the kiddies.

(True Love) is the third track. It’s up-tempo and progressive. I would try to dance to this one. I’ll post a video of me dancing someday so you have an idea of how silly I look everyone looks dancing. Good thing it’s about how you feel rather than look.

The last track on David West’s page is (Make U Mine Original). It’s a remix of a dance track. Many layers of synths and effects over the top of a beat-laden bit of music and male vocals. The track is only a minute and a half long though. Must be a teaser.

I think I’ve had enough for the day.

For today’s mySpace music trail I started out on Lady Light’s page. She had (Good For Me Club Mix) by Above and Beyond playing. Great track!

Above and Beyond was Artist #1. They know how to work it. I guess they were just out here in SF in June so there’s little chance of catching them again soon I suppose.

From Above and Beyond’s top friends I found Andy Moor. He’s a solid trance DJ. Add him to your mix.

From Andy Moor’s top friend’s I chose David West. He’s good too. I don’t know if he stands out at all but he could keep the folks on the dance floor feeling good.

mySpace music trail – Patrick Watson, Lhasa, Elsiane

 For those of you who live in San Francisco you should check out The House of Love Cabaret.  It’s held on the first Sunday of every month in the front room of a house.  Some of the best local talent has played at this event.  You can read the slowly growing website to find out more.  It happens tonight, July 1, 2007.  So check it out sooner than later.

Artist #1 – Patrick Watson

Acoustic guitar driven acid trip music. That’s what I think of when I listen to (The Storm). It’s a mixture of folk and synth music. The filter on the microphone adds so much to the sound. I highly recommend this song if you’re into variations from the mainstream.

(The Great Escape) is next. My friend Gaby told me to check out the video for this song. I did. I fell in love with it. It’s just a beautiful piece of Nick Drake (Pink Room)esque music. The lyrics are sadly uplifting. You can’t dance to it. You can’t clap your hands and rock out to it. But if you’re feeling mellow you can play it on repeat all day.

(Weight of the World) is the third in the list. Oooh. I love how the beat starts in the beginning. The conglomeration of instruments makes me think of a gypsy band. This ain’t no gypsy music though. It’s that filter on the microphone again. That filter has been the signature of Patrick Watson’s sound as I’ve heard so far. With the accordian solo in the middle the whole piece takes you away to dreamland. Not for everyone but I really like (Weight of the World).

(Luscious Life) is the last track on their mySpace page. There are 126 plays of this track today so far. I think there were the same number for the other three songs. That says something about Patrick Watson. Their sound is captivating. I wouldn’t call it haunting or pained but those thoughts come to mind with all of the filtering they use. (Luscious Life) is more like a regular rock song in many regards. At least more so than the other three I listened to today. Still it stands out from the crowd you’d hear on corporate radio.

Patrick Watson is cafe friendly, radio friendly, and drug trip friendly, I’m assuming. I highly recommend checking them out.

From their top friends I’ll choose Brigitte Henry. She doesn’t have any music playing on her page. She does have three music video clips embedded so maybe we could check those out.

Embedded Video #1 – Patrick Watson (Drifters)

The song starts with fast pattering piano. Like a pitter-pattering rain storm but only the latter part. The video is black and white and feels like Frankenstein. Then it switches to a sailing scene with mock sailors. Very stylized piece of video work. The song itself is delivered with confidence, layered with sounds. The filter on the mic is present again. And the ambience is created with the piano and synthesizers. If you like the beginning you’ll like the rest of this one.

Embedded Video #2 – Lhasa (Con Toda Palabra)

With Every Word is the translation of the title. This is a beautiful piece of music, sung in Spanish. The video presents a woman walking toward a lake, then onto the lake, then she falls through the water right into the lake entering a dream sequence where she’s swim dancing with some dude. I’m not sure why he’s under the water hanging out but that’s OK. Dreams are better when they don’t explain everything. At the end of the video she’s in a train singing as though she’d been watching the scenery pass and she drifted away. Nice song. Listen to the beginning and if you like it keep going.

Embedded Video #3 – Elsiane (Vaporous)

This song transcends you to another place if you let it. It’s soft and melodic. Because of the singer’s lisp I thought it may have been in another language at first. Then it grew on me until it became part of the style rather than a hindrance. It’s not my favorite song but I wouldn’t turn it off either.

I think I’m done for today.

I started my mySpace music trail with Patrick Watson. His sound stretches the boundaries of what rock music allows. If you have the time you should watch the 9 minute video from their Iceland trip. The live performance in that video is strangely stunning.

From Patrick Watson’s top friends I chose Brigitte Henry. She didn’t have a song playing but had three embedded music videos instead. So I listened to them. Good stuff. More Patrick Watson, some Lhasa and some Elsiane.

That’s all folks.