Interactive Poll 14 ~ It's The Guys Turn This Time
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Topic: Interactive Poll 14 ~ It's The Guys Turn This TimePosted By: Snicolette
Subject: Interactive Poll 14 ~ It's The Guys Turn This Time
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 11:33
Welcome to The Hart and the Hound Public House, where, along with food and libations, we serve up mostly acoustic sets performed by singer/songwriters. Tonight it's the guys turn. Stories of love and loss, angels and demons, true tales and mythologies, all the news that's fit to sing (thank you, Phil Ochs). We ask that you keep any talking to a minimum during the sets, we're here to hear what these guys have to say, after all.
Rules in this poll are that the nominees not be on PA, that they are males (the ladies will have their say another night, never fear) and that they are primarily acoustic in nature. Other instrumentation is fine (even the occasional electric ones), what I am attempting to avoid are the one-off ballads that many hair and metal bands were obliged to add to their recordings. They've gotten enough exposure. Outside of that, any era is fine with me. There is a rich tradition in this genre going both way back and up until today.
Serious, topical, comedy, novelty, all are welcome. Please use YouTube if you can. If the lyrics are in another language, we must refrain from translating them here. We all know ways to figure out what the song is about, if we need to.
I would like each of you to submit up to 3 nominations, you can decide later which is your choice to enter. Since most of these songs are not prog length, I think 3 is reasonable time-wise for most to ponder upon.
I will remind you all on Thursday to start deciding which is your primary entrant and then on Saturday afternoon, finish the poll for you to begin voting.
The first one up, drawn from the hat is:
From the year 2000, Richard Shindell with "Wisteria"
Next, we welcome John Gorka presenting "I Saw A Stranger With Your Hair," from 1990
In from Nashville via Seattle, please welcome Todd Snyder, playing "You Think You Know Somebody," released in 1994
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Replies: Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 11:50
So here are my three choices: Nick Drake's "Fruit Tree" (my nomination), Cat Stevens' "Trouble" (which I wish I could also nominate) and Serge Gainsbourg's "L'hôtel particulier". Yes I mentioned the Gainsbourg in another of these polls, but not as a nomination or one of my "official" alternates. I have included links to read lyrics and an excerpt (a stanza) from each (I think that's okay).
An obvious nomination for the poll. I find the lyrics so poignant, and it does seem prophetic considering Nick Drake's tragic story (such promise). This thoroughly resonates with me. The video has lyrics. Here is a link to the lyrics: http://www.nickdrake.com/fruit_tree_lyrics.html" rel="nofollow - http://www.nickdrake.com/fruit_tree_lyrics.html
An excerpt should be fine:
"Fame is but a fruit tree So very unsound. It can never flourish ‘til its stock is in the ground..."
"...Trouble Oh trouble move from me I have paid my debt Now won't you leave me in my misery...."
"Trouble" is the other most obvious nomination. I adore this, I thought about something like "Father and Son", which I love, but "Trouble" resonates to the core, even more so because I love Harold & Maude and find the scene so moving. Link to the lyrics: https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/catstevens/trouble.html" rel="nofollow - CLICK HERE
Serge, that existential French cat, Gainsbourg - "L'hôtel particulier"
"...Among these naked slaves carved in wood, All silent witnesses to the scene, While above us a mirror reflects our image, Slowly I embrace Melody."
The video has lyrics in French and English, but here are the lyrics in English with a link at the the page to them en français: https://lyricstranslate.com/en/hotel-particulier-private-hotel.html" rel="nofollow - CLICK HERE / CLIQUEZ ICI
Leonard Cohen is one of the first I thought of -- he is a brilliant wordsmith and I fully expect him to be mentioned in the topic. I also thought of Jim Croce (how I love "Time in a Bottle"), and John Denver and Donovan were other considerations of mine, but I thought better not to go with three really big names in singer-songwriters with famous songs. Even if the Nick Drake song is too well-known to be considerable by some, it means too much to me not to nominate, and actually, I easily could say the same for Cat Stevens' "Trouble".
Love the idea for this poll. There are so many great songs and there are so many great artists to list and discuss. I've been very excited for this one. Thanks for doing this, Nickie.
------------- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcp9fYc6K4IKuxIZkenfvukL_Y8VBqzK" rel="nofollow - Duos for fave acts
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 11:59
YVW Logan. I am familiar with the first two of these, but I know not everyone will be. Harold and Maude is
one of my favourite films and I love Nick Drake. Looking forward to hearing that existential cat guy's song.
All of the ones you mentioned would also be good, of course. I'm glad you like the topic.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 12:11
Indeed, Nickie, I was excited for this one. Another I had considered was Elvis Costello's "Shipbuilding", which had been sung by Robert Wyatt, but using the Costello sung version -- it has lyrics by Elvic Costello and music by Clive Langer, but three is a good number to nominate (not too onerous). A part two at some time would be nice as was mentioned elsewhere. I expect this to be a terrific round.
------------- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcp9fYc6K4IKuxIZkenfvukL_Y8VBqzK" rel="nofollow - Duos for fave acts
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 12:12
Taking the glam metal acoustic jams out of my choices kind of leaves me High 'n Dry. Does a fairly well-known local artist singing about a recently deceased other fairly well-know local artist count towards what you are looking for?
-------------
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 12:15
rushfan4 wrote:
Taking the glam metal acoustic jams out of my choices kind of leaves me High 'n Dry. Does a fairly well-known local artist singing about a recently deceased other fairly well-know local artist count towards what you are looking for?
Video removed for space
Of course! This is in his ballpark of what he writes, as would be Springsteen for instance or Neil Young, they all three write enough of what I was after, as opposed to just one song per recording.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Raff
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 12:42
As promised, I have chosen only Italian singer-songwriters - which obviously removes any issues of glam acoustic jams. However, not all the songs I have selected are acoustic, though the electric component is not overwhelming. I am sure Lorenzo will approve of my choices. They are all old songs, released in the Seventies, and genuine classics of Italian singer-songwriter music ("cantautori"). As an added bonus, I have found a website that has both the original lyrics and the English translations, so you will be able to know what these people are singing about.
The first song is the only one that is completely acoustic, and comes from the debut album of Roman cantautore Francesco De Gregori:
The next one is by our old friend Francesco Guccini, from what is probably his "proggiest" album, Radici:
The third in line is from the debut album by Antonello Venditti, another Roman cantautore, and a close friend and collaborator of De Gregori:
Last but not least, a song by someone who is on PA under Prog-Related, the late, great Fabrizio De André, recorded with the earliest incarnation of PFM (I Quelli) as a backing band:
Interestingly, both the Guccini and the Venditti song feature Ares Tavolazzi (of Area fame) and Vince Tempera (Il Volo). These are the links to the lyrics; unfortunately, the Venditti lyrics are only in Italian, but they are short, and Google Translate is your friend :
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 13:02
Here is my attempt at two more that I think fit what we are looking for. One fairly well known, the other I think less so.
William Fitzsimmons - Pittsburgh
Tim Buckley - I Must Have Been Blind
-------------
Posted By: mathman0806
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 13:22
Some selections from the 90s:
Mark Eitzel - If You Have to Ask
Ted Hawkins - Strange Conversation
E - Looking Out the Window with a Blue Hat On
E is Mark Oliver Everett, also the Eels from last week. Before he formed the Eels, he released a couple of albums under the name E.
Posted By: Meltdowner
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 14:08
Nickie, that John Gorka video isn't available in my country. This one is:
Raff wrote:
The next one is by our old friend Francesco Guccini, from what is probably his "proggiest" album, Radici:
It sounds like they just let a bunch of musicians have fun with it
I couldn't pick a single Jorge Palma song, even with the acoustic set restriction, so I chose the only one translated on the website that was mentioned.
Curiously, I got into his music thanks to Pierre's (hellogoodbye) recommendation of his proggy debut on a RPI thread.
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 14:22
Meltdowner wrote:
Nickie, that John Gorka video isn't available in my country. This one is:
Thank you so much! I see now that his original label was a subsidiary of Windham Hill. Hope that doesn't scare anyone off, it's not a typical "Windham Hill" recording.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 16:02
I don't have that much that fits the bill...as somebody who isn't very interested in lyrics, I look elsewhere for music first. However there are some I love dearly. The first thing that comes to mind is Sufjan Stevens' Carrie and Lowell album. He has done very different things elsewhere but this album... I went through the tracks and literally every single one shouted "nominate me!" at me. So good. Ultimately I settle for the first one that came to my mind.
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 16:11
And another one who can't do anything wrong for me:
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 16:33
Here's me cheating... I'd like to keep my third spot free for whatever still comes to mind, but here's one out of competition. I wanted to play you something German, a supreme live band from my hometown Hamburg. It's actually not 100% acoustic and a band rather than a singer/songwriter, but they are dominated by the singer and songwriter Jochen Distelmeyer, and pretty lyrics-heavy. Unfortunately I can't find an English translation of the lyrics; the German lyrics are easy to find. "Entries into the void, that's us - unrecognised and already forgotten. Entries into the void, tell me - who should miss us?"
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 16:35
Thoughts so far on the entries:
Logan: Nick Drake “Fruit
Tree” I do know this and Nick
Drake. Wonderful writer and a very
poignant entry, indeed. Gorgeous undersated
production. Cat Stevens “Trouble” As mentioned above, know this one (and love
the film). And ain’t it the truth? I had the honour of meeting Bud Cort once at
a bbq in Hollywood, he brought his Boston Terrier along. He had a great sense of humour, and still
looked like he was about 25 at most.
1988? So 40. Babyface. Serge Gainsbourg “L’hotel particulier” Very sultry, as fits the subject matter. I like the slidy strings when they come in,
also fitting.
Scott: Bob Seger “Glenn
Song” Very nice tribute song. I hadn’t heard this, though of course I am familiar
with Bob Seger. Good selection! William Fitzsimmons “Pittsburgh” Very pretty,
spare recording. Like the small embellishments
where they happen. Now Tim Buckley, I do
know very well, one of my fave older singer/songwriters. He is on PA, as a Prog Folk artist. Great song and artist, gone too soon, just
like his son.
Raff: Francesco De Gregori “La casa di Hilde” Pretty, pretty song. Love songs with bare bones like this. If the translation I found was correct, what
an intriguing story! Francesco Guccini “Conzone
Dei Dodici Mesi” Like the repeating
watery guitar notes, sounds like quite another story. Oh, I love this the months of the year in
song….Reminds me much of early Alan Stivell in production. I love the harpsichord-y sound. Also like the Tarot Card reference, and the
months representing the aging of (hu)man as well. L’Orso Bruno “Antonelllo
Venditti” Very lush production
here. Interesting sort of seasonal song
also. Very moving with the swell of the
strings and the vocals. Fabrizio De
Andre “Il Testamento di Tito” This one
is also straight-forward and bare boned.
A rather difficult life this person had, and has had to compromise, but
has come to terms with it. I am thinking
also for listening pleasure, as he is also on PA for this one.
George: Mark
Eitzel “If You Have to Ask” Nice
production on this, good vocals. I like the
vignette he created with the cold winter imagery and the person walking away
from him with the question not answered, and therefore, answered. Ted Hawkins “Strange Conversation” LOVE his
voice, tons of character. Nice bluesy
entry. First one of this type in the
poll. E “Looking Out the Window with a
Blue Hat On” Good production here as
well, with the strings swelling. Goes
well with the imagery of looking out that window, reflecting and feeling kind
of sad (blue hat).
Meltdowner: Jorge Palma “Estrela Do Mar” Oooh, very
pretty song of being enchanted by a pretty starfish lover. First one going to a sort of mythological
place. Beautiful piano, too. Like how it sometimes deliberately wobbles
off, into kind of a starfish gait. Also
Jorge Palma “Ja chega de ilusoes” I
could see why this would grab your attention.
If that is him on the keys, I really enjoy his playing. The electric dressing is OK, I think you were
mainly using this to illustrate how you can to know him and it’s not a candidate?
Lewian: Sufjan Stevens “Should Have Known Better” Oh, good, I’ve seen this name all over the
place, but not heard any. Now I know
why. Great whispery vocals, I love the plinky
music behind it, lovely interplay of instrumentation. Reminiscent of Iron and Wine a bit, to my
ear. Jose Gonzalez “Heartbeats” Nice
doubled vocals, creating the voice as more of an instrument than just a single
vocal. Pretty, simple piece, I liked the
video, also.
I am noting that we already are having a very wide range
of types of singer/songwriters.
Wonderful! Do keep them
coming.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: micky
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 16:41
far out... looking great so far Nickie .. no car crashes or train wrecks
yet at least... Pedro is out there lurking though...
got a few in mind... all I'm sure you know.. let me hunt up some vids and I'll get to a posting..
------------- The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip
Posted By: Raff
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 16:52
Nickie, concerning the song "Il testamento di Tito", I omitted to mention the album where it appears, and what it is about. The album's title is La buona novella (The Good News, i.e. the Gospel), and is based on the New Testament apocrypha ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_buona_novella" rel="nofollow - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_buona_novella ). The Tito who speaks in the song is the "good thief" who was crucified next to Jesus Christ; he explains the Ten Commandments from his point of view. In 2010, PFM (who toured extensively with De André in the late Seventies) re-recorded the album: https://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=28768" rel="nofollow - https://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=28768
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 16:58
These are my nominations:
One of the best Italian songs
1) Francesco De Gregori: Rumore di Niente
Another wonderful song
2) Ivano Fossati: Treno di Ferro
3) John Hiatt: Have A Little Faith in Me
Which one do you prefer?
I will write the lyrics and the translation of the song selected.
EDIT: Thanks to Christian
Out of Competition (FEMALE!!!)
Carmen Consoli: Sentivo L'odore
------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion.
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 17:01
I said two nominations in poll 13, and Nickie said three. We're all hard of hearing, aren't we? I saw this coming, by the way (and obviously will contribute to it myself).
Posted By: micky
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 17:06
hah.. getting into it.. not choosing it... doesn't quite fit the theme IMO... but playing at extremely high decibel levels while I surf for some songs and videos I think would fit well
good GOD this this one raise the hair on my arms.. this is what music is all about IMO..
------------- The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 17:58
Raff wrote:
Nickie, concerning the song "Il testamento di Tito", I omitted to mention the album where it appears, and what it is about. The album's title is La buona novella (The Good News, i.e. the Gospel), and is based on the New Testament apocrypha ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_buona_novella" rel="nofollow - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_buona_novella ). The Tito who speaks in the song is the "good thief" who was crucified next to Jesus Christ; he explains the Ten Commandments from his point of view. In 2010, PFM (who toured extensively with De André in the late Seventies) re-recorded the album: https://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=28768" rel="nofollow - https://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=28768
Ah yes, I can see that now, looking at the lyrics and thinking of it in this way. I didn't think it was Josep Broz! But this is even more moving in light of it's real meaning.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 18:19
Lewian wrote:
Here's me cheating... I'd like to keep my third spot free for whatever still comes to mind, but here's one out of competition. I wanted to play you something German, a supreme live band from my hometown Hamburg. It's actually not 100% acoustic and a band rather than a singer/songwriter, but they are dominated by the singer and songwriter Jochen Distelmeyer, and pretty lyrics-heavy. Unfortunately I can't find an English translation of the lyrics; the German lyrics are easy to find. "Entries into the void, that's us - unrecognised and already forgotten. Entries into the void, tell me - who should miss us?"
Video removed for space
You are very tricky, indeed! Perfectly OK, it's nice that people want to share things. I could easily have done 6 of my first one (Richard Shindell). I had so many to decide from (since I love this genre) I kind of went with more solo-y open mic kind of entries on the serious side. This will probably be able to take an encore poll later on down the line.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 18:37
micky wrote:
hah.. getting into it.. not choosing it... doesn't quite fit the theme IMO... but playing at extremely high decibel levels while I surf for some songs and videos I think would fit well
good GOD this this one raise the hair on my arms.. this is what music is all about IMO..
Video removed for space
It would certainly have fit the criteria I think....as I think I said elsewhere, also, he's got a great voice and I almost entered his "Solitary Man," song into one of these polls. And ya never know, you may bring something to the table that I missed along the way (speaking to your earlier post). Either way, looking foward to your offerings.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 18:53
Ok, I think I got it narrowed down a bit, but I know I'll regret not posting certain others later. For now, we'll start with something really melancholic, yet beautiful, but woefully short....
Richard Buckner - "Ariel Ramirez"
Next, this is an artist that I discovered when I was living in Arizona. I had no idea where he was from or anything, I just know I loved his simplicity of style, yet interesting and meaningful lyrics. Now, I live in Canada and just discovered that he is actually from the same area I'm currently living in. That was never intentional, but it's kind of cool that everyone knows who he is up here.
Fred Eaglesmith - "Soda Machine"
Finally, one of my all time favorite singer/songwriters, and one most of you will already know possibly. This song requires a box of tissue.
Ryan Adams - "I Love You But I Don't Know What to Say"
Posted By: micky
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 19:00
I'll leave him out. .that would have been a no brainer choice on my part. The fun part will be for me to decide which of these to choose for the poll.
sure most might have heard this done by others.. but I think he did it best.. he wrote it... and truly is btw.. one of the most fascinating men in all music. His back story.. life story.. amazing.
oh I loved the more famous version of this (yes..banjo rules) but Allen is a southern institution.. and his version of his own song is truly great
oh this one hits the soul.. grew up listening to him.. one of my dear ol' moms biggest favs..
oh wait.. what was the category... can't have it without having the hands down greatest American singer songwriter ever.. and what a masterpiece of an album this was..
speaking of favorites from dear old mom that were severely imprinted on my DNA
last and not least.. a recent discovery of mine.. a couple of years ago I went on a major Aretha tear when she passed and traced back a big favorite of hers back to the original songwriter.. and Spooner rules..
------------- The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 20:53
TCat wrote:
Ok, I think I got it narrowed down a bit, but I know I'll regret not posting certain others later. For now, we'll start with something really melancholic, yet beautiful, but woefully short....
Richard Buckner - "Ariel Ramirez"
Next, this is an artist that I discovered when I was living in Arizona. I had no idea where he was from or anything, I just know I loved his simplicity of style, yet interesting and meaningful lyrics. Now, I live in Canada and just discovered that he is actually from the same area I'm currently living in. That was never intentional, but it's kind of cool that everyone knows who he is up here.
Fred Eaglesmith - "Soda Machine"
Finally, one of my all time favorite singer/songwriters, and one most of you will already know possibly. This song requires a box of tissue.
Ryan Adams - "I Love You But I Don't Know What to Say"
Videos removed for space....Can't wait to hear, Mike. I was hoping you'd be able to join in on this one, since you've got great singer/songwriter taste, from what I've seen. I can't remember who I knew that loved Fred Eaglesmith, but I will love hearing him again (don't know this one). And I'm sure your other choices will be stellar.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 27 2020 at 21:04
micky wrote:
I'll leave him out. .that would have been a no brainer choice on my part. The fun part will be for me to decide which of these to choose for the poll.
sure most might have heard this done by others.. but I think he did it best.. he wrote it... and truly is btw.. one of the most fascinating men in all music. His back story.. life story.. amazing.
oh I loved the more famous version of this (yes..banjo rules) but Allen is a southern institution.. and his version of his own song is truly great
oh this one hits the soul.. grew up listening to him.. one of my dear ol' moms biggest favs..
oh wait.. what was the category... can't have it without having the hands down greatest American singer songwriter ever.. and what a masterpiece of an album this was..
speaking of favorites from dear old mom that were severely imprinted on my DNA
last and not least.. a recent discovery of mine.. a couple of years ago I went on a major Aretha tear when she passed and traced back a big favorite of hers back to the original songwriter.. and Spooner rules..
You rule-breaker, you! You are forgiven. Looking forward to hearing the ones I don't know. Kris and Rita wrote one of my favourite love songs, ever. Here ya go. I can find ways to break rules too.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: suitkees
Date Posted: July 28 2020 at 05:01
Very nice, all this! It almost shows us where music comes from...
Haven't listened to everything yet, but that will come.
My turn now, and I thought I'd bother you with some foreign languages. Starting with one most of you won't be able to decipher, and to honour my origins: Dutch.
He was by some considered being the Dutch Bob Dylan: Boudewijn de Groot, with one of his major hits in the 70s, Jimmy (de eenzame fietser / the lonely cyclist), about a father who is thinking of a possible futur for his little boy.
Their is some electric guitar setting in at the moment he sings "I hope he won't become a football player - they might kick him half dead" and then from 2'20" on he repeats "But rather that than a plate in his head of the business man - it would only make him worse".
You can find a mediocre translation of the lyrics https://lyricstranslate.com/en/jimmy-de-eenzame-fietser-jimmy-lonely-cyclist.html" rel="nofollow - here , and I found a YT with the Dutch lyrics in it so you can all sing along:
Second option: A French one, and much more recent one, from Raphael, Caravane. Was quite a hit here (in 2005, or about) and it is a very nice song. This is the official clip, but imo does not fit the stance and poetics the text, but they translated the lyrics underneath the video (on the yt-page):
Last but not least: I lived for a while in what some call North Catalonia, a small part of the South of France near the Spanish (Catalan) border. Impossible not to get to know one of the most popular Catalan singer/songwriters: Lluis Llach.
Impossible not to propose L'Estaca (The Stake), which he wrote in 1968. It passed censorship at first (remember, we are in Franco's Spain), but forbidden in 1969 when it became a very popular song and they started to understand that "the stake" could be a metaphor for the franquist regime ("let's unite to make it fall"). But, during a concert in Madrid that year, where Llach could thus not sing this song, they played a few chords on the piano and the whole audience started to sing it. Llach listened to them, silently (otherwise he would be arrested).
There are many different arrangements of this song. Llach sometimes accompanies himself on the acoustic guitar, sometimes on piano, and other times with an ensemble or even an orchestra.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeSDNXe7tpE" rel="nofollow - This link leads you to the original album version, but I give you the video of his first perfomance, after returning from exile in Paris, given in Barcelona in January 1976, two months after Franco's death (English translation of the lyrics https://lyricstranslate.com/en/lestaca-stake.html-0" rel="nofollow - here ):
And, as a bonus, if you really want the shivers going down your spine, listen to his beautiful composition, written during the night following the "events" in Vitoria Gasteiz in March 1976 during which armed police teargassed and shot on hundreds of people who had sought refuge in a church (five dead and about a hundred with bullet wounds...): https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2ca433" rel="nofollow - "Campanades a morts" . This is from a beautiful documentary La revolta permanent, about these events and the coming into being of this composition.
Unfortunately, L'Estaca and Campanades a morts are still very necessary and urgent songs, today...
-------------
The razamataz is a pain in the bum
Posted By: Meltdowner
Date Posted: July 28 2020 at 10:55
Snicolette wrote:
Meltdowner: Jorge Palma “Estrela Do Mar” Oooh, very
pretty song of being enchanted by a pretty starfish lover. First one going to a sort of mythological
place. Beautiful piano, too. Like how it sometimes deliberately wobbles
off, into kind of a starfish gait. Also
Jorge Palma “Ja chega de ilusoes” I
could see why this would grab your attention.
If that is him on the keys, I really enjoy his playing. The electric dressing is OK, I think you were
mainly using this to illustrate how you can to know him and it’s not a candidate?
Indeed! I'd say that song is his take on impressionism and I find that stripped down version better than the original.
Yes, the second isn't a candidate for this poll although it surprise me more than the song I picked for the surprise poll. He plays keys but also guitars and bass on that song.
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 28 2020 at 12:48
Continuing on with the nominees thus far:
Mike:Richard Buckner “Ariel Ramirez” Sweet contemplative piece.The understated production is lovely and goes
with his almost kind of lazy, drawly voice.This one gave me chills.Good
sign!Fred Eaglesmith “Soda Machine” I
remembered who liked this guy, my eccentric friend, Charlie Tweddle.He and his beautiful wife, Barbra.He makes amazing country hats and sings a
little, too.Back to Fred. Such a sad
tale of so much emptiness in his life!Even the soda machine is
empty.I’m surprised he didn’t break his
foot on it!Ryan Adams “I Love You But I
Don’t Know What to Say”Beautiful love
song, sensitively sung.I know of him,
but hadn’t heard this.
Micky: OK,
I won’t discuss Mr Diamond, since I kinda did already and he’s not going to be
included in this. Which brings us to
Kris Kristofferson “Sunday Morning Coming Down”
Nothing speaks like experience.
You know he lived this. Truly
genuine song and performance. As you probably
guess, I know this one. 😊 Alain Toussaint “Southern Nights” Just gorgeous. A real master at work, here. And yeah, I know it. Don’t think I’ve heard this live version
before though. David Gates “Diary” Big hit song when I was a teenager. Kind of a golden age for singer/songwriters,
as well as progressive, for contrast. Sensitive
story, sung sweetly. Willie Nelson “Red
Headed Stranger” Classic tune, telling a
cowboy tale. He finally sold his ranch
in Evergreen, CO, but man, what a gorgeous property that was, we drove by it
often. Another study in being genuine
and true to your self to becoming a well-deserved success over many decades. John Denver “Season Suite” Another of the 70’s era sensitive
singer/songwriter types. My sister, Pam,
brought Poems, Prayers and Promises home.
Loved the sound of that ringing 12-string and his versatile voice. Another well-done song in the passing seasons
traditions. Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” Here, it’s performed by one of the orginal
songwriters, I knew the Aretha Franklin version back in the 60’s It’s kind of an answer to James Brown’s “It’s
A Man’s World.” Cool to hear the guy who
wrote it, perform it.
Suitkees:
Very happy to listen to your songs, the intro you wrote got me very
intrigued about them. 😊Boudewijn de Groot “Jimmy” A sort of more upbeat sound
than I was expecting from the description….however, it is about the simple joy
of having a child who is not yet facing the problems of the world, and wanting
to protect him from it. Raphael “Caravane” Moody song about facing one’s mortality,
simple production, one of the grand musings of life. LLuis Llach “L’estaca” I llove 😉
this kind of song. Topical tale-telling,
songs to be sung to not forget an event and it’s significance. I’ve sent myself a note to look at the
documentary during a more down time.
Thank you!
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 28 2020 at 12:50
Meltdowner wrote:
Snicolette wrote:
Meltdowner: Jorge Palma “Estrela Do Mar” Oooh, very
pretty song of being enchanted by a pretty starfish lover. First one going to a sort of mythological
place. Beautiful piano, too. Like how it sometimes deliberately wobbles
off, into kind of a starfish gait. Also
Jorge Palma “Ja chega de ilusoes” I
could see why this would grab your attention.
If that is him on the keys, I really enjoy his playing. The electric dressing is OK, I think you were
mainly using this to illustrate how you can to know him and it’s not a candidate?
Indeed! I'd say that song is his take on impressionism and I find that stripped down version better than the original.
Yes, the second isn't a candidate for this poll although it surprise me more than the song I picked for the surprise poll. He plays keys but also guitars and bass on that song.
Thank you for the clarification. Again, by saying the electric dressing is OK, I only meant that it is acceptable here, should you want to use it, I was trying to stay away from artists that are really more rock or metal bands in their entirety.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: July 28 2020 at 16:42
Nickie: I get "video unavailable" for John Gorka.
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 28 2020 at 16:57
Lewian wrote:
Nickie: I get "video unavailable" for John Gorka.
Meltdowner found this one: , let me know if it works for you.
I'd added this in my thanks to him: Thank you so much! I see now that his original label was a subsidiary of Windham Hill. Hope that doesn't scare anyone off, it's not a typical "Windham Hill" recording.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: July 28 2020 at 17:08
Yes, great! Thanks!
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: July 28 2020 at 17:14
I have a hard time commenting on these, because if it's about melodies and voices, for me it's just about whether the magic happens or not, but I can hardly ever explain how it works (not a magician myself, unlike my avatar guy). So I can just give some selection help telling you what I liked most.
Snicolette: Quite important to have that video; John Gorka is my clear winner among your three from page 1.
Logan: Nick Drake is really hard to beat and those other two certainly don't do it.
rushfan4: I really like that Bob Seger one. Puts me in wistful mood.
raff: That Francesco Guccini one is outstanding, what an original arrangement! Probably the best I have heard until now.
Posted By: The Anders
Date Posted: July 28 2020 at 17:21
I will skip this one due to lack of time, and then come back for the next poll.
By the way, the composer behind the Matador theme (in the TV series theme poll), Bent Fabricius-Bjerre, just passed away. In the US he may be known as Bent Fabric, and if I am not mistaken, he won a Grammy for the song "Alley Cat".
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 28 2020 at 17:40
Lewian wrote:
I have a hard time commenting on these, because if it's about melodies and voices, for me it's just about whether the magic happens or not, but I can hardly ever explain how it works (not a magician myself, unlike my avatar guy). So I can just give some selection help telling you what I liked most.
Snicolette: Quite important to have that video; John Gorka is my clear winner among your three from page 1.
Logan: Nick Drake is really hard to beat and those other two certainly don't do it.
rushfan4: I really like that Bob Seger one. Puts me in wistful mood.
raff: That Francesco Guccini one is outstanding, what an original arrangement! Probably the best I have heard until now.
Happy you enjoyed him. I love that whole LP, there's some funny stuff and some serious stuff and he's got the kind of voice I enjoy. I understand, also, of how this is harder to comment on, in some ways than where the music and vocals matter, but here, if the words don't speak to you, they just don't. And sometimes in translation, they don't work as well as native language, perhaps.
In some ways, I find I have to listen harder to these, because there is a lot of the meat in the lyrics, as there should be....longer to digest, lol.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 28 2020 at 17:42
The Anders wrote:
I will skip this one due to lack of time, and then come back for the next poll.
By the way, the composer behind the Matador theme (in the TV series theme poll), Bent Fabricius-Bjerre, just passed away. In the US he may be known as Bent Fabric, and if I am not mistaken, he won a Grammy for the song "Alley Cat".
Thank you for the info on the Matador theme. May he rest in peace.
And yes, we all have varying amounts of time and even interest in the various topics, I am sure. Looking forward to your return.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: July 28 2020 at 18:14
Snicolette wrote:
Lewian wrote:
I have a hard time commenting on these, because if it's about melodies and voices, for me it's just about whether the magic happens or not, but I can hardly ever explain how it works (not a magician myself, unlike my avatar guy). So I can just give some selection help telling you what I liked most.
Snicolette: Quite important to have that video; John Gorka is my clear winner among your three from page 1.
Logan: Nick Drake is really hard to beat and those other two certainly don't do it.
rushfan4: I really like that Bob Seger one. Puts me in wistful mood.
raff: That Francesco Guccini one is outstanding, what an original arrangement! Probably the best I have heard until now.
Happy you enjoyed him. I love that whole LP, there's some funny stuff and some serious stuff and he's got the kind of voice I enjoy. I understand, also, of how this is harder to comment on, in some ways than where the music and vocals matter, but here, if the words don't speak to you, they just don't. And sometimes in translation, they don't work as well as native language, perhaps.
In some ways, I find I have to listen harder to these, because there is a lot of the meat in the lyrics, as there should be....longer to digest, lol.
I don't think it has much to do with the language. It's rather my kind of music listening. Music is music and words are words. Totally different parts of my brain and heart seem to process one and the other. So when I listen for the music experience, I hardly ever note the lyrics. It's all sound. Very occasionally it can happen that lyrics get me, but even if that happens, it may be only the fifth or tenth time I listen to something.
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 28 2020 at 18:51
Lewian wrote:
Nickie: Happy you enjoyed him. I love that whole LP, there's some funny stuff and some serious stuff and he's got the kind of voice I enjoy. I understand, also, of how this is harder to comment on, in some ways than where the music and vocals matter, but here, if the words don't speak to you, they just don't. And sometimes in translation, they don't work as well as native language, perhaps.
In some ways, I find I have to listen harder to these, because there is a lot of the meat in the lyrics, as there should be....longer to digest, lol.
Lewian: I don't think it has much to do with the language. It's rather my kind of music listening. Music is music and words are words. Totally different parts of my brain and heart seem to process one and the other. So when I listen for the music experience, I hardly ever note the lyrics. It's all sound. Very occasionally it can happen that lyrics get me, but even if that happens, it may be only the fifth or tenth time I listen to something.
[/QUOTE] Nickie: I see....I am ever torn between the world of music and the world of words, being a voracious reader and also listener. In most of these kinds of pieces, there is often a less mastery of the music side, it's to be supportive of the words, of which there must be a sort of mastery or it is not effective in it's presentation. Perhaps why I love instrumentals so much, I can create whatever story I want....in these, I must be taken BY the story.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Raff
Date Posted: July 29 2020 at 12:41
I want to apologize to everyone, but I think this time I am not going to nominate anything. Unfortunately, this kind of style is not my cup of tea, and after a while when I was listening everything started to blur together. I also believe that anything not in English is not of real interest here, even with a translation available. Additionally, I have been feeling down on the forum (and most other things) in the past few weeks. There are some people who annoy me, and I always have the impression that what I have to say doesn't interest anyone.
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 29 2020 at 13:28
I am sorry you feel that way, I have found your nominees of interest and your discussions thoughtful throughout these polls. However I do understand the need to break from things like this. I certainly would never have heard some of these non-English songs and find them of interest (even though sometimes the translations are tricky). On the other hand, some genres just don't work for some people and I understand that as well. I do hope you'll join in again at some point, I've enjoyed getting to know you better through these.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: July 29 2020 at 15:02
Raff wrote:
I want to apologize to everyone, but I think this time I am not going to nominate anything. Unfortunately, this kind of style is not my cup of tea, and after a while when I was listening everything started to blur together. I also believe that anything not in English is not of real interest here, even with a translation available. Additionally, I have been feeling down on the forum (and most other things) in the past few weeks. There are some people who annoy me, and I always have the impression that what I have to say doesn't interest anyone.
I'm very sorry to read this. Of course it's your decision, but I value your contributions very highly. As I wrote, for me this is (as the others) about the magic in the music, and the one that has given me most magic up to now was one that *you* of all people have nominated!
Also what you have to say definitely does interest me.
Here's a thought. As a lecturer I sometimes get frustrated when I see what some students do in their exams, and I feel that either they don't listen to me, don't engage with the material, or that it's me, I don't explain things well enough, and therefore they don't get it. But of course that's a terrible generalisation. Many students actually learn something from what I teach, and sometimes, maybe one in a hundred students gets something very special from me. I once taught a mathematics student in a statistics course. He wasn't probably the best mathematician and was maybe starting to get frustrated by his studies. But he was good in statistics, and not only that, he did some things that I found very insightful and special for a student of the second year. So I told him, I'm impressed by what you did here; I believe you have some proper insight and talent for this. Years later he told me that this was the moment when he decided to take on a career as a statistician, and he has never looked back.
The baseline is, if one in one hundred people gets something really worthwhile out of what you are saying, it isn't wasted, it is something really valuable. There are always many who aren't interested, but at the end of the day that's not what counts. What counts is the special moments. (I have at least three albums that I value highly because you recommended them at some point!)
OK, now you do what you want, but don't say nobody listens!
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: July 29 2020 at 18:59
Raff wrote:
As promised, I have chosen only Italian singer-songwriters - which obviously removes any issues of glam acoustic jams. However, not all the songs I have selected are acoustic, though the electric component is not overwhelming. I am sure Lorenzo will approve of my choices. They are all old songs, released in the Seventies, and genuine classics of Italian singer-songwriter music ("cantautori"). As an added bonus, I have found a website that has both the original lyrics and the English translations, so you will be able to know what these people are singing about.
The first song is the only one that is completely acoustic, and comes from the debut album of Roman cantautore Francesco De Gregori:
The next one is by our old friend Francesco Guccini, from what is probably his "proggiest" album, Radici:
The third in line is from the debut album by Antonello Venditti, another Roman cantautore, and a close friend and collaborator of De Gregori:
Last but not least, a song by someone who is on PA under Prog-Related, the late, great Fabrizio De André, recorded with the earliest incarnation of PFM (I Quelli) as a backing band:
Interestingly, both the Guccini and the Venditti song feature Ares Tavolazzi (of Area fame) and Vince Tempera (Il Volo). These are the links to the lyrics; unfortunately, the Venditti lyrics are only in Italian, but they are short, and Google Translate is your friend :
Well, here there is the cream of Italian singer-sonwriters.
De Andrè and Guccini are the fathers,
Antonello Venditti and Francesco De Gregori are the sons, two of the most appreciated sons.
Ok, everybody know my passion for Guccini, but I love De André with the same intensity.
Last year I have seen in concert PFM, they sang the songs by De André, especially the songs taken from La Buona Novella. But Franz Di Cioccio isn't as charismatic as Fabrizio De Andrè.
Anyway, there two jewels here: Il testamento di Tito and La canzone dei dodici mesi.
------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion.
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: July 29 2020 at 19:06
Lewian wrote:
raff: That Francesco Guccini one is outstanding, what an original arrangement! Probably the best I have heard until now.
I am very glad to read this words... as you can see, a singer-songwriter with talent can produce excellent lyrics accompanied with an excellent music.
I am very happy that now, thanks to my and raff's contribution, Francesco Guccini is no longer an author unknown to the members of Pa, but an appreciated singer-songwriter.
------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion.
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: July 29 2020 at 19:10
@Micky
I like especially
- Kris Kristofferson's song
- John Denver's song.
@Nicky
Excellent songs.
I like especially Shindell's song.
@Logan
hmmm I suspect you are a fan of Nick Drake and Cat Stevens...!
Excellent songs. Trouble is the second time you propose it, and in fact it is very well done, fragile, vulnerable, then it grows and in my opinion it has the only flaw that ends too quickly on a musical level, but he had said everything about the lyrics.
------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion.
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: July 29 2020 at 19:28
I prefer Boudewijn de Groot, very good.
But... why the Dutch singer of this group reminds me of Dave Cousins of the Strawbs?
------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion.
Posted By: The Dark Elf
Date Posted: July 29 2020 at 19:45
------------- ...a vigorous circular motion hitherto unknown to the people of this area, but destined to take the place of the mud shark in your mythology...
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 29 2020 at 19:49
Ooooh, 3 new ones for people! Thank you for contributing!
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 29 2020 at 19:54
jamesbaldwin wrote:
I prefer Boudewijn de Groot, very good.
But... why the Dutch singer of this group reminds me of Dave Cousins of the Strawbs?
I think I hear also a similarity in the sound of the guitar also, to Cousins, in both the production and the way he strums it. It is not quite as "ringing" of a tone, but still similar.
Also glad you enjoyed Richard Shindell. That entire LP is outstanding, several of the songs on it and also a few from other recordings all wanted to be nominated. But I settled for something most people have experienced and his thoughtful treatment of the subject. Quite the poet, he often has double meanings to his lyrics.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: HolyMoly
Date Posted: July 29 2020 at 20:37
micky wrote:
hah.. getting into it.. not choosing it... doesn't quite fit the theme IMO... but playing at extremely high decibel levels while I surf for some songs and videos I think would fit well
good GOD this this one raise the hair on my arms.. this is what music is all about IMO..
you got that right. This song rules. I remember requesting it at the roller skating rink in the late 70s. Everyone but me left the rink (they’d rather hear Peter Frampton sing the Beatles). But I skated my ass off to that song.
------------- My other avatar is a Porsche
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle if it is lightly greased.
-Kehlog Albran
Posted By: HolyMoly
Date Posted: July 29 2020 at 20:41
I’ll nominate my left-field hero Jandek
------------- My other avatar is a Porsche
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle if it is lightly greased.
-Kehlog Albran
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 29 2020 at 20:51
Thank you for contributing....I always love to read your "what you listened to," lists.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: mathman0806
Date Posted: July 29 2020 at 21:24
@Raff: I am sorry you feel this way, but I do understand. I am not so much into the singer songwriter genre, and as I was going through the selections, I was also feeling a certain degree of sameness. That said, I enjoyed your selections, particularly the Guccini song without having read a translation. And in general, there is a different vibe with most of the non-English songs. Much of my enjoyment in music is just the sounds and I generally don't pay much attention to lyrics. Currently, most of my listening is in the background as it is because I have been busy with work, so lyrics tend to be a distractions. For me, lyrics work best as 'impressions' so usually full stories don't necessarily work for me. I do wonder if I can fairly evaluate a selection on how it is in the singer songwriter genre, or I would most likely evaluate the song from the music and sounds, so not so much the lyrical content.
In a somewhat related note, many of these selections seem quite introspective or serious. I guess that is what should be expected though Nickie welcomed humor and novelty. To that end, breaking the rules in having already put up three songs, I am tossing out a few more selections, but with humor and novelty. Of course, the irony is that lyrics is key in humorous selections.
First up, is Tom Lehrer. I think his two best known songs are"Masochism Tango" and "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park", so I'll skip those two. And go with something more appropriate with my occupation and forum moniker, "New Math". The first part is a spoken intro, but he does get into some singing with an accurate solution to a subtraction problem (both in base ten in the New Math style and then in base 8!).
Then, I should add, its hard to find some of favorites without some off color language. But, I am keeping this clean. Usually, not clean, is Tim Minchin. Some of his stuff would fit in with the Do You Believe in the Afterlife thread. In particular, "Ten Foot Cock and 100 Virgins". So, here is his love song "You Grew on Me".
Finally, Steve Martin. I think most here would know he's a very talented banjo player and he has won a Grammy for best bluegrass. This one is fun.
Posted By: HolyMoly
Date Posted: July 29 2020 at 21:32
Tom Lehrer! Awesome! New Math is an old favorite.
------------- My other avatar is a Porsche
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle if it is lightly greased.
-Kehlog Albran
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 29 2020 at 21:43
mathman0806 wrote:
@Raff: I am sorry you feel this way, but I do understand. I am not so much into the singer songwriter genre, and as I was going through the selections, I was also feeling a certain degree of sameness. That said, I enjoyed your selections, particularly the Guccini song without having read a translation. And in general, there is a different vibe with most of the non-English songs. Much of my enjoyment in music is just the sounds and I generally don't pay much attention to lyrics. Currently, most of my listening is in the background as it is because I have been busy with work, so lyrics tend to be a distractions. For me, lyrics work best as 'impressions' so usually full stories don't necessarily work for me. I do wonder if I can fairly evaluate a selection on how it is in the singer songwriter genre, or I would most likely evaluate the song from the music and sounds, so not so much the lyrical content.
In a somewhat related note, many of these selections seem quite introspective or serious. I guess that is what should be expected though Nickie welcomed humor and novelty. To that end, breaking the rules in having already put up three songs, I am tossing out a few more selections, but with humor and novelty. Of course, the irony is that lyrics is key in humorous selections.
First up, is Tom Lehrer. I think his two best known songs are"Masochism Tango" and "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park", so I'll skip those two. And go with something more appropriate with my occupation and forum moniker, "New Math". The first part is a spoken intro, but he does get into some singing with an accurate solution to a subtraction problem (both in base ten in the New Math style and then in base 8!).
Then, I should add, its hard to find some of favorites without some off color language. But, I am keeping this clean. Usually, not clean, is Tim Minchin. Some of his stuff would fit in with the Do You Believe in the Afterlife thread. In particular, "Ten Foot Cock and 100 Virgins". So, here is his love song "You Grew on Me".
Finally, Steve Martin. I think most here would know he's a very talented banjo player and he has won a Grammy for best bluegrass. This one is fun.
Yes, indeed! Novelty is welcome and thank you for the comic relief! I do not know Tim Minchin, so looking forward to that. I do know a lot of Tom Lehrer, he lectured at University of California, Santa Cruz, from 1972 to 2001 on mathematics and musical theater. I remember the Vatican Rag the best.
And Steve Martin, yes wonderful musician, author, comedian. A true Renaissance man.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 29 2020 at 22:06
More thoughts on Lewian's and George's and also new to the fray, The Dark Elf & HolyMoly:
Lewian: Blumfeld,
“Eintragung ins Nichts” (a zen entry, in other words, not an entry, but wanted
to share). Pretty upbeat, despite the
fact that it’s sort of about there’s nothing we can really do about our
existence, in some ways (other than enjoy it, hopefully). Good mover, as I would say, catchy.
George: Tom Lehrer “New Math” He was so hilarious! And right on, too. 😊 Tim Minchin “You Grew On Me” I love funny songs! And so relatable, falling for the wrong person. We’ve all done it, most likely. I know I have. Steve Martin “Late for School” We carried him on our buses, thanks to our lead driver, Jack Lapp. Class act on all levels. Loved hearing the dogs barking in the song. Sounds like one of those nightmares about school.
The Dark Elf: John Prine “Paradise” Wonderful song by a true American original. Jim Croce “Time In A Bottle,” such a sad story with him, he was poised so perfectly in those times and died so young. Prescient, that he wrote this beautiful song. Son McLean “Vincent.” Another gorgeous song, telling the story of Vincent Van Gogh. I know all three of these, but I’m old! I hope that others discover these gems because you posted them here.
Holy Moly: Jandek “Down In A Mirror” Wow! A spooky song! The guitar kind of almost off key and so fitting for the ambience this guy is creating. Great atmosphere, well done.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: July 30 2020 at 08:01
Here's another one I love. Martyn Bates: First and Last of February.
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 30 2020 at 08:18
Additional music added by
Lewian:. Martyn Bates “First and Last of February” Very
different feel to this one, the production has a sort of psych wash of sound
going on, will be looking into more of his music.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 30 2020 at 08:25
A reminder to all that I will craft the poll for voting tomorrow, please get any new nominees in today if you can and also make your final selection of your choice for the poll and let me know.
List of Contributors So Far (if I only use your forum name and you'd like me to use your real name, let me know for certain what that name is, sorry, my brain only seems capable of learning one or two a day from the aliases). You may want to just quote this post and add your nominee when you are ready, I'll add in to here from regular posts with final nominees if that is easier for you, as well.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: July 30 2020 at 10:28
A further one that I'm not going to nominate, just to add some more German stuff after all the Italian delight.
Actually this band, Kante, were together with Blumfeld leaders of what in the 1990s was called "new Hamburg school", although this song is quite different from the Blumfeld one posted earlier. New Hamburg school was a rather relaxed approach to music (here apparent in the singing, which is more typical for new Hamburg school than Jochen Distelmeyer's distinctive voice in Blumfeld) with focus on the often somewhat intellectual lyrics and message, often melodic (although that's Blumfeld and Kante more than the others), taking in influences from music such as post rock but also singer/songwriter style.
Kante did more sophisticated arrangements than Blumfeld, whereas Blumfeld focused more on voice and lyrics, although Kante have some very melodic voice-oriented stuff as well.
The somewhat sad personal background story to this one is that my girlfriend at the time and I were big fans of the previous Kante album Zweilicht. When this one came out, we heard it first on the radio independently of each other (there was a very similar but less sad story with another lady in an earlier poll). I thought that this is one of the very best love songs I ever heard, with very moving but still occasionally surprising and interesting lyrics, and I also fell for the melody and arrangement. When we met, however, she said (before I had talked about it) "have you heard the new Kante song? It doesn't tell me anything, I'm very disappointed". I was shocked and couldn't make sense of it, because of course I had thought of her when I had listened to it. I tried to ignore this in the following because obviously in a couple you don't have to love the same music. But still, it was hard to accept this. It turned out that actually it was the first indication that I remember that something wasn't quite right anymore between us; the relationship afterwards still went on for a few years from then but other things happened and emotionally the distance became bigger and bigger, eventually leading to separation. Music is important, and now I think it meant something that we disagreed so strongly on this song.
I still think this is marvellous, but I don't connect it to anyone in particular anymore. And I'd say it has a very northern German feel.
I was thinking about translating a few lines, but I don't manage to translate the more original and lyrical stuff so that it comes anywhere near making the same sense in English than in German. The title means "where the rivers sing" and they go on "I want to spend my time with you". This isn't that exciting, but there's also "I want to spend my time with you in the realm of the informal economy where the rumours circulate" and other weird stuff... hahaha, maybe that lady was right and it all doesn't make any sense.
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: July 30 2020 at 10:40
Actually the great thing about this poll is that it makes me revisit all this music that I have that fits the bill. As I wrote earlier, it isn't that much, but I have a very strong emotional connection to every single one of these.
Posted By: Meltdowner
Date Posted: July 30 2020 at 10:57
My nomination is still "Jorge Palma - Estrela do Mar". I'm Samuel
(or Sam), by the way. I actually don't like my username anymore (it
sounded cool when I was 18), it always seems odd to be called by it
I haven't had much time or energy for music lately, I hope I'll be able to at least hear the nominees this weekend.
Raff wrote:
I
always have the impression that what I have to say doesn't interest
anyone.
I always find your posts interesting. Even though
we have different taste in Prog, I sometimes find something very much to
my liking, like Ut Gret or iNFiNiEN the other day.
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 30 2020 at 11:06
Lewian wrote:
A further one that I'm not going to nominate, just to add some more German stuff after all the Italian delight.
Kante did more sophisticated arrangements than Blumfeld, whereas Blumfeld focused more on voice and lyrics, although Kante have some very melodic voice-oriented stuff as well.
The somewhat sad personal background story to this one is that my girlfriend at the time and I were big fans of the previous Kante album Zweilicht. When this one came out, we heard it first on the radio independently of each other (there was a very similar but less sad story with another lady in an earlier poll). I thought that this is one of the very best love songs I ever heard, with very moving but still occasionally surprising and interesting lyrics, and I also fell for the melody and arrangement. When we met, however, she said (before I had talked about it) "have you heard the new Kante song? It doesn't tell me anything, I'm very disappointed". I was shocked and couldn't make sense of it, because of course I had thought of her when I had listened to it. I tried to ignore this in the following because obviously in a couple you don't have to love the same music. But still, it was hard to accept this. It turned out that actually it was the first indication that I remember that something wasn't quite right anymore between us; the relationship afterwards still went on for a few years from then but other things happened and emotionally the distance became bigger and bigger, eventually leading to separation. Music is important, and now I think it meant something that we disagreed so strongly on this song.
I still think this is marvellous, but I don't connect it to anyone in particular anymore. And I'd say it has a very northern German feel.
I was thinking about translating a few lines, but I don't manage to translate the more original and lyrical stuff so that it comes anywhere near making the same sense in English than in German. The title means "where the rivers sing" and they go on "I want to spend my time with you". This isn't that exciting, but there's also "I want to spend my time with you in the realm of the informal economy where the rumours circulate" and other weird stuff... hahaha, maybe that lady was right and it all doesn't make any sense.
Kante “Wo die Flusse Singen” I did listen first, you’d given a hint of the
meaning of the song, so I definitely heard that bit of wistfulness in it. Then I looked at the translated lyrics. The song is about (to me) how the everyday
survival can sap us, how the world we are truly from, the natural one, is where
we belong and how when we express ourselves in this manner, we are revealing
our truer nature. And the writer wanted
to share that with this other person, which was a high compliment, truly. I know for many people music isn’t important
to their relationships, it depends on what you are looking for in that respect
and may be relative to where you are in your life. I do know, for me, what someone listens to,
what they read, what visual art or films they enjoy, are windows into their
souls. So best relationships have had much
in common in that way, in my lifetime, for me.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: suitkees
Date Posted: July 30 2020 at 11:06
My nomination is Lluis Llach's L'Estaca, was it only for its historical significance, that still resonates today.
-------------
The razamataz is a pain in the bum
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 30 2020 at 11:10
Thank you, both Samuel/Meltdowner and Suitkees. Duly updated and noted.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 30 2020 at 11:10
Lewian wrote:
Actually the great thing about this poll is that it makes me revisit all this music that I have that fits the bill. As I wrote earlier, it isn't that much, but I have a very strong emotional connection to every single one of these.
Excellent! I do thank you for your input and expanding my horizons, as well.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: July 30 2020 at 11:20
Snicolette wrote:
Kante “Wo die Flusse Singen” I did listen first, you’d given a hint of the
meaning of the song, so I definitely heard that bit of wistfulness in it. Then I looked at the translated lyrics. The song is about (to me) how the everyday
survival can sap us, how the world we are truly from, the natural one, is where
we belong and how when we express ourselves in this manner, we are revealing
our truer nature. And the writer wanted
to share that with this other person, which was a high compliment, truly. I know for many people music isn’t important
to their relationships, it depends on what you are looking for in that respect
and may be relative to where you are in your life. I do know, for me, what someone listens to,
what they read, what visual art or films they enjoy, are windows into their
souls. So best relationships have had much
in common in that way, in my lifetime, for me.
I think you pretty much nailed it, except that there are allusions and double meanings and many words are unusual even in German and usually the strange use means something. Do you know some German?
(Haha, and I said I'm not interested in lyrics... but partly that's true. I'd love the song for the music and sound alone as well.)
Posted By: jamesbaldwin
Date Posted: July 30 2020 at 12:53
Nickie, I was hoping in your opinion about my nominations.
------------- Amos Goldberg (professor of Genocide Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem): Yes, it's genocide. It's so difficult and painful to admit it, but we can no longer avoid this conclusion.
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: July 30 2020 at 13:50
Again, it's tough for me to decide which one I want to use for voting. I like them all.
I think I'll go with Fred Eaglesmith - "Soda Machine"
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 30 2020 at 13:56
jamesbaldwin wrote:
Nickie, I was hoping in your opinion about my nominations.
Oh, I'm sorry I didn't respond to that sooner. I was thinking that my favourite of these was out of competition (for another reason than Carmen, she being female, of course). I go with the emotionality of Ivano Fossati.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 30 2020 at 13:58
TCat wrote:
Again, it's tough for me to decide which one I want to use for voting. I like them all.
I think I'll go with Fred Eaglesmith - "Soda Machine"
Thank you, Mike. Entered into the list on the bottom of Page 3.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 30 2020 at 14:01
Lewian wrote:
Snicolette wrote:
Kante “Wo die Flusse Singen” I did listen first, you’d given a hint of the
meaning of the song, so I definitely heard that bit of wistfulness in it. Then I looked at the translated lyrics. The song is about (to me) how the everyday
survival can sap us, how the world we are truly from, the natural one, is where
we belong and how when we express ourselves in this manner, we are revealing
our truer nature. And the writer wanted
to share that with this other person, which was a high compliment, truly. I know for many people music isn’t important
to their relationships, it depends on what you are looking for in that respect
and may be relative to where you are in your life. I do know, for me, what someone listens to,
what they read, what visual art or films they enjoy, are windows into their
souls. So best relationships have had much
in common in that way, in my lifetime, for me.
I think you pretty much nailed it, except that there are allusions and double meanings and many words are unusual even in German and usually the strange use means something. Do you know some German?
(Haha, and I said I'm not interested in lyrics... but partly that's true. I'd love the song for the music and sound alone as well.)
I don't know any German at all, I do have a few friends whose native language is German, but that probably doesn't count. I do know in some languages, there is just no perfect translation for some words or concepts, though.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: July 30 2020 at 17:01
mathman: Mark Etzel is my winner among yours. Very nice and atmospheric, the other two rather sound as if I heard much of that stuff already (ignoring lyrics of course).
Meltdowner: Estrelo dol Mar is very good and dreamy; Ja chega de ilusoes is a bit of a mess, no?
jamesbaldwin: Francesco de Gregorio: Inventive and surprising, but the turn this takes in the second half isn't my cup of tea. The song of Ivano Fossati works much better for me, very emotional and well balanced between calm verse and more energetic chorus. John Hiatt's song is much more predictable than the Italians, so Fossati is the clear winner here. Carmen Consoli: This isn't exactly an instant winner for me, but at least makes me curious of her other work.
There's too much stuff in life, probably I have no chance to get through them all before the poll begins.
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: July 30 2020 at 17:06
I think I'll stick to my first nomination, Sufjan Stevens - Should Have Known Better.
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: July 30 2020 at 17:28
TCat: Can't watch your Ariel Ramirez video, but this one works for me:
Actually that's my number one of yours, I like the relaxed mood.
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 30 2020 at 17:43
Lewian wrote:
I think I'll stick to my first nomination, Sufjan Stevens - Should Have Known Better.
Thank you, Lewian, updated and also thank you for the help with Mike's Ariel Ramirez video.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 30 2020 at 23:01
My choice for this will be Richard Shindell, but I want to give you alternates of all three of my picks, this time. This is another serious song, by Richard Shindell it fought hard against "Wisteria," to be what I brought of his this time. This is "You Stay Here"
A story of someone I think we all have known, from John Gorka, "The Sentinel"
Lastly, how Todd Snider broke into the big time. A great homage to Bob Dylan, too. "Talking Seattle Grunge Rock Blues""
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: July 31 2020 at 00:59
if Nick Drake is taken, does Frankie Miller fit the bill?
Posted By: Meltdowner
Date Posted: July 31 2020 at 08:08
Lewian wrote:
Ja chega de ilusoes is a bit of a mess, no?
I
guess without understanding the lyrics it is, although it ticks all the
Prog boxes, but it makes sense especially in the concept of the album.
In
a few words, he gives up his youthful dreams to try to fit in an
oppresive society but at this point he's tired of illusions (as the
title says) and he's angry at society and himself, about how it shaped
his life and how foolish it was to believe in their old-fashioned ways.
I guess getting into this album when I was realizing that myself made me connect with it even more.
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 31 2020 at 08:14
Cristi wrote:
if Nick Drake is taken, does Frankie Miller fit the bill?
Cristi:Of
course! Frankie Miller “With You In Mind”Nice, rich, soulful voice and delivery.“I’m Falling in Love Again” Again, wow what a
great voice.Somehow got missed here in
the US (at least to my reckoning as a solo artist, anyway).Another in the same tradition as the first, a
bit darker.Which one are you
nominating?
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: July 31 2020 at 08:31
Snicolette wrote:
Cristi wrote:
if Nick Drake is taken, does Frankie Miller fit the bill?
Cristi:Of
course! Frankie Miller “With You In Mind”Nice, rich, soulful voice and delivery.“I’m Falling in Love Again” Again, wow what a
great voice.Somehow got missed here in
the US (at least to my reckoning as a solo artist, anyway).Another in the same tradition as the first, a
bit darker.Which one are you
nominating?
which ever you enjoyed more.
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 31 2020 at 08:41
Cristi wrote:
Snicolette wrote:
Cristi wrote:
if Nick Drake is taken, does Frankie Miller fit the bill?
Cristi:Of
course! Frankie Miller “With You In Mind”Nice, rich, soulful voice and delivery.“I’m Falling in Love Again” Again, wow what a
great voice.Somehow got missed here in
the US (at least to my reckoning as a solo artist, anyway).Another in the same tradition as the first, a
bit darker.Which one are you
nominating?
which ever you enjoyed more.
I like both of them, still amazed I missed him. Going "With You In Mind." Confirm you want that as your nomination, or do you want to hear some feedback from the others first?
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: July 31 2020 at 08:48
Just to make things complicated, I like "I'm falling in Love Again" quite a bit more of these.
Posted By: Meltdowner
Date Posted: July 31 2020 at 08:54
jamesbaldwin wrote:
Which one do you prefer?
I liked the Ivano Fossati the most. The vocals are engaging and the arrangements are pleasant without trying too much.
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 31 2020 at 08:55
Lewian wrote:
Just to make things complicated, I like "I'm falling in Love Again" quite a bit more of these.
I think Cristi should guide us, now....thanks, I had a really hard time picking, they show two sides of this remarkable singer/songwriter. I went with the first because I was surprised!
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: July 31 2020 at 09:04
micky: Kris Kristofferson is fun and I like some John Denver, however the most delicate David Gates one is my favourite of yours.
suitkees: The Dutch one is not for me. Impressed by the story behind the Catalan one, which certainly makes the song very meaningful. The documentary seems very promising and I'll have a look when I have more time. However, on musical criteria only, Raphael is my choice of yours, very catchy, and a well working dynamic arrangement,
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: July 31 2020 at 09:05
yes, who's winning the poll?
------------- This message was brought to you by a proud supporter of the Deep State.
Posted By: Lewian
Date Posted: July 31 2020 at 09:30
Dark Elf: Jim Croce is my pick of yours. Brilliant, brilliant guitar sound on that one.
micky: Holly Holy, indeed quite the surprise.
Jandek: And now for something very out of the ordinary... I'm very open minded for this kind of thing, but it may require more than one or two listens to get into it.
mathman: I'm a mathman, too, and Tom Lehrer is genius.
snicolette: For me You Stay Here beats Wisteria clearly. Can't watch the John Gorka alternative either, it's here (but I like the other one more):
Todd Snider: I've got to admit (which will make me a lot of enemies , and regards some proposals by others, too, yes, I'm looking at you Dark Elf but not only you either), when things sound too American, anti-American that I am, I'm not going to buy them... (ironically the one I nominate is actually quite American ).
To be honest, I didn't have the full time to listen to all of these, so some of my opinions are based on 1 1/2 of 4 minutes or so. Everything in the final poll will be listened to in full.
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 31 2020 at 10:36
Lewian wrote:
snicolette: For me You Stay Here beats Wisteria clearly. Can't watch the John Gorka alternative either, it's here (but I like the other one more):
Todd Snider: I've got to admit (which will make me a lot of enemies , and regards some proposals by others, too, yes, I'm looking at you Dark Elf but not only you either), when things sound too American, anti-American that I am, I'm not going to buy them... (ironically the one I nominate is actually quite American ).
You Stay Here definitely has a sinister build to the music, Wisteria is more sentimental. I don't know, maybe more people can relate now than ever to You Stay Here, with the state of the world these days. I'll contemplate switching my choice, I usually don't.
For those intrigued with Richard Shindell, he also has another really fine, chilling and double-edged piece on this same recording, "Transit." Those three were what I wrestled with. I will enter Transit here, in case of any curious.
Thank you for the alternate of the alternate video of Mr Gorka. He's a little older and wiser than when he made the first recording. I may enter something else of his on another poll, should the theme present itself.
Thank you also for your thoughts on Todd Snider, he is certainly an "Americana" artist and not to everyone's taste.
Your comments on everyone's are always thoughtful and insightful. Thanks for playing along.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 31 2020 at 10:38
SteveG wrote:
yes, who's winning the poll?
Not sure, Steve. We don't have the final nominations from everyone yet. Really, the focus isn't so much on the winner, but in the sharing and discussion of things we may not have heard before. Would you like to join in? You still have time today to enter one before voting begins tomorrow morning.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 31 2020 at 10:40
IMPORTANT NOTE: I have a very important errand I have to run tomorrow morning, so everyone please know that the poll is open for voting at 0001 hours PDT 1 August. Since we haven't heard from a few yet, I decided to make the poll open for voting in the late afternoon, PDT 1 August. That should give people time to respond, and others still to listen, if they haven't made their minds up yet on the later final decisions.
The people we're still waiting on for final decisions are listed by name on the poll voting area.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: July 31 2020 at 10:46
Snicolette wrote:
SteveG wrote:
yes, who's winning the poll?
Not sure, Steve. We don't have the final nominations from everyone yet. Really, the focus isn't so much on the winner, but in the sharing and discussion of things we may not have heard before. Would you like to join in? You still have time today to enter one before voting begins tomorrow morning.
No, I'm good Nickie. I was just throwing in a "Biden" moment.
------------- This message was brought to you by a proud supporter of the Deep State.
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 31 2020 at 11:03
SteveG wrote:
Snicolette wrote:
SteveG wrote:
yes, who's winning the poll?
Not sure, Steve. We don't have the final nominations from everyone yet. Really, the focus isn't so much on the winner, but in the sharing and discussion of things we may not have heard before. Would you like to join in? You still have time today to enter one before voting begins tomorrow morning.
No, I'm good Nickie. I was just throwing in a "Biden" moment.
You rabble rouser!
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: July 31 2020 at 12:46
Snicolette wrote:
Cristi wrote:
Snicolette wrote:
Cristi wrote:
if Nick Drake is taken, does Frankie Miller fit the bill?
Cristi:Of
course! Frankie Miller “With You In Mind”Nice, rich, soulful voice and delivery.“I’m Falling in Love Again” Again, wow what a
great voice.Somehow got missed here in
the US (at least to my reckoning as a solo artist, anyway).Another in the same tradition as the first, a
bit darker.Which one are you
nominating?
which ever you enjoyed more.
I like both of them, still amazed I missed him. Going "With You In Mind." Confirm you want that as your nomination, or do you want to hear some feedback from the others first?
"With You In Mind" it is then. Happy you enjoyed the songs.
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 31 2020 at 13:13
Cristi wrote:
I like both of them, still amazed I missed him. Going "With You In Mind." Confirm you want that as your nomination, or do you want to hear some feedback from the others first?
[/QUOTE]
"With You In Mind" it is then. Happy you enjoyed the songs.
[/QUOTE]
Updated my post at the bottom of Page 3 with selections so far.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: July 31 2020 at 13:16
I'll go with the Bob Seger song.
-------------
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: July 31 2020 at 13:26
rushfan4 wrote:
I'll go with the Bob Seger song.
Thanks, Scott! Updated the list.
------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp
Posted By: TCat
Date Posted: July 31 2020 at 13:32
Lewian wrote:
TCat: Can't watch your Ariel Ramirez video, but this one works for me:
Actually that's my number one of yours, I like the relaxed mood.
Thanks Lewian. I had a hard time deciding which one to pick, and that could have been the thing to sway my opinion if I hadn't already decided. All three artists are among my favorite singer/songwriters.
Posted By: mathman0806
Date Posted: July 31 2020 at 21:54
I may change my mind, but if I don't post again by poll opening, put in Mark Eitzel as my choice.
I did listen some more to save me from binging on the second season of the Umbrella Academy. Some random thoughts.
Lorenzo: I liked Ivano Fossati best, though as much for the music in the second half of his song. I had not looked into his lyrics.
Nickie: Of the three artists, Richard Shindell I liked the most. And of his three songs, Transit. His voice reminded me a bit of James Maynard Keenan of Tool. The song itself was quite vivid and I paid attention to the lyrics in a second lesson. I imagined this as something that could be animated done in a hand-drawn in colored pencil style.
Micky: I liked John Denver.
Lewian: yeah, definitely Sufjan Steven's. Carrie & Lowell is my favorite of his albums.