Just in case you weren't yet tired of the never ending joke that is the predicted Rapture, here are some tunes to keep you going. "These are the days of miracles and wonder, and don't cry baby, don't cry" say's Paul Simon who made it on the mix simply because I've been listening to Graceland way too much recently. "It's the end of the world and I feel fine" (i'm so glad people can finally use this song literally). Elvis Perkins with possibly the most upbeat celebration song on the mix says "But I don't let doomsday bother me / Does it bother you?" and the mix carries on. Just as we all will.At least the rapture jokes kept friday entertaining. Enjoy and be back on Sunday.
Paul Simon's Graceland album was a staple in my childhood. The african drums beat throughout many dinners, it was a great accompaniment to summers grilling on the patio, and countless other events. That album, combined with a few other ones like Quincy Jones, James Ingram, and George Winston, was part of the soundtrack to my childhood.
As of late, it hasn't been Paul Simon in my C.D. player but rather The Tallest Man on Earth's most recent album, The Wild Hunt. I should have mentioned this months ago when the single for "King of Spain" came out in March but somehow I forgot to. Although it was available for free download in an American Songwriter compilation that I posted about. But if you hadn't listened to his album, you absolutely should. It is truely fantastic and many people are saying it is one of the top albums of 2010.
Getting back to the song at hand, this cover blew me away. This time I think it really is because of the banjo and the unique voice. I have loved this song for such a long time and it was nice to hear a different version of it. And now I have been playing it over and over. It is sold exclusively on his european tour which is kind of a bummer but I was lucky enough to come across it. So you can play and download it using the link (from one of my favorite music blogs Music vs. Misery) below and you can listen to it via the youtube video as well. Enjoy!
So, this should have been posted forever ago but with all the excitement surrounding Vampire Weekend's second album I kind of blocked it out. But I finally took some time to listen to the album, Contra, and it does not disappoint. It is different from their first album which seemed to have been a success that surprised even the band as their hits like Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa and A-punk even made it onto mainstream radio. For their sophomore album they were prepared and kept the same fun loving attitude but pumped it up a little bit with faster guitars, more synth beats, and electro-pop studio tricks. I am constantly baffled by how much "White Sky" sounds like a Paul Simon song and I think that is part of their appeal, taking the old classic style and adding some spice for the indie-pop-rock era that is ever so popular these days. "Holiday" is also a lot of fun and perfect for a Summer 2010 soundtrack. Overall the album is good, not a standout in my book, but good enough that I'll keep coming back to it. As much as "Giving up the Gun" is heavy on the synthesizers, I am drawn to it, must be that darned glockenspiel which I fear has now replaced my hand-clapping obsession. The lyrics resonate well too.
And though its been a long time
You’re right back where you started from
I see it in your eyes
Now you’re giving up the gun
I see you shining your way
Go on go on go on
Freebie: You can get their song Horchata for free here. It is a worthy download, if you like their other stuff.
Oh, I almost forgot...this video is a total riot with cameos made by the most unlikely people: Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers, Jake Gyllenhaal, Lil' Jon and RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan. A definite must watch, enjoy!
