"Fly," Groove Collective

Song: "Fly"
Album: We the People (1996)
Artist: Groove Collective

Buy it from:
iTunes
Amazon

This song just makes me feel gooood. It's dynamic. I can't stay in my seat when this song comes on. I've got to get up and move. Richard Worth nails the improvisational flute.

Let me mention, I love the sound of the flute. My sister plays the flute. Hearing her practice for hours and hours as a kid embedded the sound in my musical memory from a very early age. Also, the song has a Latin feel, which I also luuuuv.

Sometimes the over all feeling a song gives you is the most important thing about it. This one gives me the feeling that I could overcome anything. Why? Don't know. Perhaps the collective vocals contribute to this. I suppose anything sung by one person is all the more powerful sung by many people. The latin elements also, particularly the percussion, have always spoken to me in that way. I've lived in Guatemala and traveled throughout Mexico, Costa Rica and Spain and maybe the most important thing I learned from the people of those countries is to never, ever give up. So, music that reminds me of my experiences there just makes me feel that way.

Some other thoughts: the trumpet solo is ill (in a good way), the song kinda de-constructs itself and then rebuilds, the lyrics "top of the mountain" provide a the image of ascending (something I've done quite a bit of in recent years), full brass section-- how often do you hear one these days?

Pure audible love folks.

Here's what they look and sound like now (still awesome):

Kiwi for Dessert

I'm going to take this blog places it's never been before... Swoooooooosh!

From here on out

it's going to be about more than just single songs--

but all things Benjamin.

Like this picture of dessert last night. I love sliced Kiwi.

So, geez, I really should introduce myself. I'm Ben. Otherwise known as Bonj, BenJamin, Benjamin Wells, Momotamus and Hey You.

I like to listen to lots and lots of music, mainly because it gives me inspiration to make my own music. You can hear some of it here and here. I'm making more all the time, so stay tuned! I have a (shhhh) secret ambition to create a new album. With just a few hurdles to overcome-- like my total lack of a studio. Currently my creative space is stuffed into the corner of our bedroom.

"Our" bedroom, ah yes, I must mention that I'm married to the MOST beautiful, talented and interesting woman (I'll have to ask if she wants to be introduced) and we have an unbelievably cool son-- who truly is my main inspiration.

I have other interests too-- like this one. Check out Capitol Peak From the Top or Knife Edge Movie. This was an expedition I took last summer alone. Spectacularmo!

If you're reading this-- something brought you here. What was it? I believe... we were meant to know each other. Write me. Tell me. Until next time... much love.

"New Grass," Talk Talk

Song: "New Grass"
Album: Laughing Stock
Artist: Talk Talk



This is a beautiful song that I didn't know much about until I did some digging. It's been on my "Somber Favorties" list for ages-- probably culled from a "Listeners Also Bought" suggestion. Turns out, this one is a classic and my ears served me well.

To me, their story is another one of transcendence. Talk Talk was an 80's British pop band, sort-of a low key Duran Duran. Remember "It's my life... don't you forget..." (I posted a last.fm preview of it below). When I hear that song I feel like donning a Swatch and putting up the collar on my lime green Izod.

But, this song is different. It turns out, they didn't much care to be pop stars, preferring instead the pursuit of their craft in the studio. They got themselves all embroiled in a law suit with their label and things must have been hell. But, then they won the law suit! How often does that happen?

Anyway, this album was their last. It was recorded with a full orchestra (a model of how to make the most expensive album possible) and was a total departure from the pop that their label wanted them to make. Some reviews of the album were dismal when it first came out-- but history has proven these artists (Mark Hollis, Lee Harris, Paul Webb + many guest artists) to have been visionary. They may have invented the down tempo genre with this record (released in 1991) as well as the term "New Grass," an emerging genre of it's own.

There's a really good bio here, a review here and a pretty scanty wiki page here.

Just to refresh your memory:
Talk Talk – It's My Life

"Just for Now," Imogen Heap

Song: "Just for Now"
Album: Speak for Yourself
Artist: Imogen Heap

I read this song like a love letter. Not the steamy sort, but as one from a friend with the insight and desire to call 'time-out' on the chaos of life, pause and remember.

Of course Imogen Heap is talented, has a great voice and makes innovative use of looping-- all assets. But, rarely does an artist assist me to access the playful, yet frequently heavy contents of my memories of youth the way Imogen Heap does. Her themes, her voice, and her techniques all help to accomplish this. I was amazed and delighted to learn from her wiki page that her mother was an art therapist. I feel that her music is originating from her creative voice of youth-- and that is my ideal for an artist.

To complete my total infatuation with Imogen Heap, I learned that she was left alone by her boarding school music teacher and that she responded by teaching herself. The eventual result... an incredibly introspective, personal style for which she was nominated for two Grammy's last year including Best New Artist. This kind of transcendence is undeniably attractive.

2007 Favorite Albums

Music for me isn't just sound waves. As a musician and music lover, music truly is an experience. So, my favorite albums of 2007 aren't just works of great creativity, genius and musical talent. Each one speaks to me also because of it's innovation, message, fun factor or the story behind it's creation.

This list really gets to the essence of what music is about for me (and I'm really going to go fully "Almost Famous" with this)...

it's about the dream.

It's about the dream of playing some music that other people digg. It's about inspiring, educating, or just moving someone's finger or foot. It's about the smile that occurs on a person's face, in some town you've never been to, at the precise moment of the chord change you played or note you sang. It's about the small but perceptible difference the smile makes in that person's day, week, life. It's about communication on a level attainable only through music. It's about beauty... so sorely needed in our world.

#1
Album: In Rainbows
Artist: Radiohead



#2
Album: Belle et Fou
Artist: Jazzanova

#3
Album: Food In The Belly
Artist: Xavier Rudd

#4
Album: The Reminder
Artist: Feist

#5
Album: The Mix-Up
Artist: Beastie Boys

#6
Album: Cassadaga
Artist: Bright Eyes

#7
Album: What Happened To Television
Artist: The Greyboy Allstars

Love or Coffee?

It doesn't happen very often, so I feel it's my duty to document it when it does... a perfect conversational moment. Yesterday morning, upon waking up.

Me: Love or coffee, which should we make?
My wife: why not both?

"Thags' Dance," Oscar Peterson

Song: "Thags' Dance"
Album: The Sound of the Trio
Artist: Ed Thigpen, Oscar Peterson & Ray Brown

I learned of Oscar Peterson's passing (December 23rd) from this post on motel de moka. It's hard to calculate the influence of a figure so huge as Oscar Peterson. His wiki page states that Duke Ellington called him the "Maharaja of the keyboard." That, my friends, is cred.

This associated press article contained more praise from more awesome musicians than a Grammy tribute to Stevie Wonder.

Dave Brubeck: "I was in awe..."
Duke Ellington: "beyond category..."
Herbie Hancock: "redefined swing..."
Dianna Krall: "the reason I became a jazz pianist."
Marian McPartland: "the finest technician that I have seen."
Eldar Djangirov: "...my main artistic influence."

Here he is with Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen live in Italy in 1961:

"Feels Like Rain," Buddy Guy

Song: "Feels Like Rain"
Album: Feels Like Rain
Artist: Buddy Guy

My favorite radio DJ Bubba Jackson always says, "I only listen to the blues when I'm happy." Maybe he says this to correct the thought that all blues music is sad. Of course, the Blues is often up-beat and inspiring. But, maybe he says this because some blues music can take you from sad, to the depths of despair. This song lies somewhere between, striking the balance between the inspiration of love in the lyrics (love is like a hurricane), and the reflective feeling spurred by any profound life change.

This song was made all the more poignant by the events surrounding hurricane Katrina. It's a love song that captures the very specific, somber feeling surrounding life changes. Here's John Mayer performing the song with Buddy Guy.

"Over the Rainbow," Eva Cassidy

Song: "Over the Rainbow"
Album: Songbird
Artist: Eva Cassidy

There are many notable versions of this song, including: the original from The Wizard of Oz soundtrack by Judy Garland, a live version by Eric Clapton and a famous ukulele version by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. But, this is my favorite.

Eva Cassidy's wiki page explains her sad and remarkable story. She died in 1996 of cancer and was not "discovered" until after she was gone. Her album Songbird reached #1 on the UK charts in 2001. Listen to this and you will understand why.



Here's what the wiki page says about this video.

In 2001, her album reached number 1 in the UK charts after the BBC television show Top Of The Pops 2 aired a video of Eva performing Over The Rainbow at Blues Alley. It became the most requested video ever shown of Top Of The Pops 2 despite the fact it was just a homemade video made by somebody watching Eva perform.

"Gavin's Song," Marc Broussard

Song: "Gavin's Song"
Album: Carencro
Artist: Marc Broussard

This song is simply essential for any parent missing a child... or for anyone missing anybody. It was written by the artist for his son. Really, it's one of those that simply must be listened to and appreciated. It's beautifully written and beautifully sung. Enjoy.

"Electric Worm," Beastie Boys

Song: "Electric Worm"
Album: The Mix-Up
Artist: Beastie Boys

This is an instrumental, blusey, wah funk song from the kings of suburban Hip Hop. With that many genres involved, it has to be good. I've always had a love/hate relationship with the Beastie Boys; loving them for the quality of their raps, hating them for... well I'm not really sure (being white?). They're all grown up now, proving with this track that suburban rappers don't die, they just start listening to Booker T. and the MG's.

If you like this track, as I do, you might like these too: "Tom Cat," by Muddy Waters, "Red Beans and Rice," by Booker T. & the MG's and "Look-Ka Py Py," by The Meters.

The sound quality of this youtube video is terrible. Listen to the iTunes sample above to hear it. But, it's fun to see the band playing the music.

"Music Is My Hot, Hot Sex," Cansei de Ser Sexy (CSS)

Song: "Music Is My Hot, Hot Sex"
Album: Cansei de Ser Sexy
Artist: CSS



For a music lover/blogger, it's hard to argue with this track title! I was turned onto Cansei de Ser Sexy by their awesome live concert from Fabchannel. I love the energy, lack of inhibition, and artistic fierceness of the concert. I came to find out that CSS is a Brazillian band and that their name; "Cansei de Ser Sexy" means "Tired of Being Sexy" in Portuguese. Their in-your-face style is ironic and they are both pushing the sexual buttons of the audience and making fun of how easily those buttons are pushed-- but in a playful, attractive, artistic way. Take a look.

"The Ocean," Led Zeppelin

Song: "The Ocean"
Album: Houses of the Holy (Remastered)
Artist: Led Zeppelin



Led Zeppelin probably created more recognizable guitar riffs than any band of the 70's-- and to me, this is the most recognizable. This brings back such powerful memories from adolescence. This was, in fact, one of the songs I would play to get ready for a date. It was like a one song pep rally. My advice: buy the song, turn it up.

It's been hard to select just three Led Zeppelin songs. There are so many and you can expect more in this blog. Honorable mentions: "Fool In The Rain," "Dancing Days," "Going To California," "D'yer Maker," "The Battle of Evermore," "The Rain Song," "Stairway To Heaven."

"What Is and What Should Never Be," Led Zeppelin

Song: "What Is and What Should Never Be"
Album: Led Zeppelin II (Remastered)
Artist: Led Zeppelin

Play Sample

One big thing missing from a lot of today's music is dynamics. One reason for this is the loudness wars discussed here and here. Just as Zepplin's albums had dynamics as complete works of art, so did many of their individual songs. In my opinion, this is THE best example of how to maximize the power of a song with dynamics.

I love this studio version and I love the live version too.

There are so many influences in this song. It begins as a folk ballad with jazz style high hat and drums. Suddenly, it morphs into a hard rock head banger. In fact, this song, along with "Whole Lotta Love," (songs 1 & 2 on the album) probably helped create and define the genre of hard rock.

The guitar work by Jimmy Page is sick. At 3:31 into the song, each successive riff is panned 100% right then 100% left, all but shouting the back and forth agony contained in the lyrics with his guitar. In the midst of this-- a gong sounds, creating an unforgettable, signature moment in rock history.

Apparently, the song was inspired and informed by a romance Robert Plant had with his wife's younger sister. At least that's what the wiki article claims. And this makes sense as the song in every way supports the painful misery of a forbidden love and the confusion, duality and indecision that goes with it.

"Bron-Yr-Aur," Led Zeppelin

Song: "Bron-Yr-Aur"
Album: Physical Graffiti (Remastered)
Artist: Led Zeppelin

In celebration of iTunes releasing The Complete Led Zeppelin, I'll offer my three favorite Led Zeppelin songs in the next three posts.

"Bron-Yr-Aur" is my wife's favorite Led Zeppelin song, and it's growing on me. It is a calm acoustic guitar masterpiece appearing on Physical Graffiti amidst their hard rock classics "Kashmir," and "Houses of the Holy." Led Zeppelin made albums-- complete works of art intended to be enjoyed from start to finish-- and this song's place is to give the harder songs on the album a counterpoint. It's a short song; a breath, which offers a reflective, beautiful sound scape. Led Zeppelin's slow stuff makes their hard stuff more powerful and visa-versa. If you like this, other Zeppelin songs you'll love include: The Rain Song, That's The Way and Going To California.

The song is named for a cottage in Wales where the band stayed. In Welsh it means "Golden Breast." Here's the wiki article.

Here's a collage of photos of Led Zeppelin someone made, backed by the song.

"Hello Bonjour," Michael Franti & Spearhead

Song: "Hello Bonjour"
Album: Yell Fire!
Artist: Michael Franti & Spearhead

Michael Franti packs a lot of lyrics and ideas into this song. My favorite stanza goes:

You say you’re a Christian ’cause God made you,
You say you’re a Muslim ’cause God made you,
You say you’re a Hindu and the next man a Jew
And we all kill each other 'cause god told us to? NAH!

I just think the world could use a lot more of Michael Franti. He's a funky, peace seeking, musical, spirit, sent down to spread some truth. It's hard to stay seated when this song plays; because the music is jumpy, but also because the lyrics offer something to believe in.

Here's the Song Video:


Here's a live version. This shows Franti & Spearhead taking a flat Belgium crowd up to 100% participation.

"Wagon Wheel," Old Crow Medicine Show

Song: "Wagon Wheel"
Album: O.C.M.S.
Artist: Old Crow Medicine Show

Thanks to Dave for recommending this song. I'm a huge Bluegrass fan. I even played rhythm guitar in a bluegrass group last summer. I love the vocal performance on this. Like the song, it's unapologetically back woods. And, the harmonies are right on-- not trying to do too much but right where they should be.

In music, but in Bluegrass especially, there's a tendency for players to try to out play everyone on the planet. This is an example of how good a song can be if the band listens to each other, plays the song tight together and just lays down what's necessary and nothing more.

The O.C.M.S. web site is here. An interesting, short Wiki article about the history of the song is here.

Here's a you tube video:

Holiday (Mostly Christmas) Music

These are some of my favorite songs for the holidays:

Song: The Christians and the Pagans
Album: Mortal City
Artist: Dar Williams

Since my family is a mix of agnostics, atheists and other non-christians, and my sister's family is of the Christian persuasion, we laughed out loud at this song over the holidays last year. If you have a similar mix among your loved ones, this is a great song to break any related tension.

Song: Skating
Album: A Charlie Brown Christmas
Artist: Vince Guaraldi Trio

To me, this song (and the album) represents the holiday season better than any other. It instantly conjures images of Snoopy skating deftly across the ice and giant snow flakes falling slowly.

Song: White Christmas
Album: All Time Christmas Favorites Vol. 1
Artist: Bing Crosby

Song: Santa Baby
Album: Platinum & Gold Collection: Eartha Kitt
Artist: Eartha Kitt & Henri René

Many have tried to imitate Eartha Kitt; Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Miss Piggy.

Song: Oh Hanukkah Groove
Album: Festival of Light 2
Artist: The Frank London Big Band

Song: Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
Album: Christmas With Dino
Artist: Dean Martin

Song: The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)
Album: The Christmas Song
Artist: Nat King Cole

Song: Cool Yule
Album: 20th Century Masters - The Christmas Collection: The Best of Louis Armstrong
Artist: Louis Armstrong & The Commanders

Song: Sleigh Ride
Album: Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas
Artist: Ella Fitzgerald

Song: Feliz Navidad
Album: Feliz Navidad
Artist: José Feliciano

Song: Unto Us A Child Is Born
Album: Handel's Messiah
Artist: The London Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir & Walter Susskind

Song: I Have A Little Dreidel/Hanukkah
Album: Hanukkah... And All That Jazz
Artist: Jon Simon

Song: Ma O'Tzur
Album: Y2Klezmer
Artist: The Alexandria Kleztet

Song: You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch
Album: Celebrate The Season
Artist: Boris Karloff

Song: Jingle Bells
Album: James Taylor At Christmas
Artist: James Taylor

This is my favorite version of Jingle Bells-- very funky. Unfortunately, iTunes sells it with the album only.

If you have suggestions for this post, please leave a comment. I would love to have some more songs from other traditions. Peace.

"What It Means To Be Human," i am jen

Song: What It Means To Be Human
Album: The Broken EP
Artist: i am jen

When I saw and heard this for the first time, I was captivated. Still am. It's high quality, hand made for you! i am jen's web site is cool too.

"Amen," Otis Redding

Song: "Amen"
Album: The Immortal Otis Redding
Artist: Otis Redding

Thanks to Muzzle of Bees for reminding me that today is the 40th anniversary of Otis Redding's death. The PBS special on Stax Records had a great segment on Otis Redding. Apparently, Otis was working as a roadie for Johnny Jenkins when he was 'discovered' by Stax. Hearing the other musicians describe the day when Otis sang "These Arms of Mine" in the studio for the first time was priceless. They knew it was a seminal moment in musical history by the time the song was over. RIP Otis, you will never be forgotten.

Here's Otis spreading some love and singing "I've Been Loving You Too Long To Stop Now."