|
Post by deireleire on Jan 22, 2014 12:25:50 GMT
Part 3: After putting up Kate, I just HAVE to list Raymond Van Het Groenewoud. I'm a devoted fan of only 2 artists: Kate and RVHG. Raymond is sadly only known in Flanders and the Netherlands. He sings in Dutch but the man is a world class musician and performer, with a limited performing territory. He performs a very wide spectrum of musical genres, but there's one strong link between all his work: he's a razor sharp observer and he sublimely puts that in his lyrics. Again, this can sadly only be appreciated by the Dutch speaking community. The next song is a classic of him. It should be possible for anyone to appreciate it musically. Very slow, fragile build-up. Very strong climax. Subtle wind down. It doesn't bore even on endless repeat (I know from experience). The man knows what timing is and it shows. He never sings in perfect key, but that imperfection makes it stronger in some way. This song has has no chorus, nor rhyme, yet it seems to have it. It's an observation and/or imagination about 2 girls on a beach (real or metaphorically), talking, dreaming... about their prince. Time fades, the day turns into night... a page turns... and it starts all over again. Please have a listen. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I have, repeatedly. Cheers, Marc It's been a while since I've listened to RVHG. I remember buying the "Het beste van Raymond van het Groenewoud" when I was a teenager and listening to it until it was all scratched. I liked bierfeesten the most. Didn't know he was known in NL, it's not cause he sings in dutch, Nederlanders know him.. When it comes to chansonniers, I prefer Jacques Brel (only the french songs, I don't like his dutch/english versions of songs (US musical is the worst), but you have to understand french to get the full package, guess it's the same for RVHG.
|
|
gommer
quite active
Posts: 140
|
Post by gommer on Feb 13, 2014 22:04:29 GMT
Ah, Bierfeesten is a marvelous song and Het beste van... definitely is a great album. I've got no idea if Jacques Brel is well known and appreciated outside francophone area's. I do like him, i would think his profound commitment and theatrical, moving performances would transcend language. Actually, these days Stromae reminds me of Brel.
|
|
gommer
quite active
Posts: 140
|
Post by gommer on Feb 13, 2014 22:27:29 GMT
Part 4:
Jeff Buckley - Grace
I was introduced to this album by a friend and instantly fell in love with it. J.B. has only got a single full album, the man died too soon. All the other stuff released is sadly proof of record companies milking the cow.
Anyway, back to the genius. The man is a musical genius. In my book it would be virtually impossible to even come close to the diamonds of Nina Simone's oeuvre. But he did with Lilac Wine. If you don't know this version but are familiar with the original, then do listen and be impressed:
Another example is the cover of Cohen's Hallelujah. It takes a special kind of artist to not render this in a boring way.
The rest of this CD has original compositions that are all as moving as the two above. Warning: not for casual listening. Get ready for some emotional moments. The dynamics in this music are also very wide and for me, it's impossible to listen to unless it get's full attention.
Cheers, Marc
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2014 12:10:06 GMT
Thanks Marc, you've reminded me that I haven't listened to Grace for a good while. Such a wonderful album, one of my favourites. I remember when I first got it, I always thought Mojo Pin had a feeling of Led Zeppelin, or at least Jimmy page guitar about it, but my friends thought I was mental. Then a couple of years later I read an interview with his mother where she told the interviewer that as a young boy he would listen to Led Zep for hours in his bedroom and try to copy Page's riffs. So I wasn't that mental Fantastic album. Mick, I'm thinking you would probably really like it. If you don't have it already, pm me
|
|
gommer
quite active
Posts: 140
|
Post by gommer on Feb 14, 2014 14:04:54 GMT
Part 5
Yazoo - Upstairs at Eric's
This one of the few albums that I can listen to at any time, in whatever mood I am. It always cheers me up, whatever state I'm in. It's the prefect combination of a good singer and electronics. This was Alison Moyet at her best, but lets not forget Vince Clarke. I love the sound of this album. Past present and future.
Is this timeless, or am I just an 80's boy?
Cheers, Marc
|
|