45 of 1001 Songs: Billie Holiday’s God Bless the Child

 Billie Holiday has a lot of songs in the 1001 list, and I’m not complaining. If there was one musician I could listen to all the time it would be Billie Holiday. God Bless the Child sounds like a familiar song, but I couldn’t place if I had ever heard it. I do know that the song has a lot of truth in the lyrics.

The song references what seems to be a disagreement between parents and a child, and referring to the history behind the song this seems very well what it was about. Not only does this give the song a story but emotion. There is also the classic array of instrumentals that I still haven’t heard anything like before. It’s light and powerful. It reminds me a lot of Billie Holiday’s voicing. There is also a dark backdrop that keeps the song moving.

Courtesy of Marcusg of Free Images.

To coincide with my new travel blog addition, I want to go a bit more into the details of where this song came to life. This song has a New York City vibe about it, and appropriately so since that is where it was recorded. Along with an orchestra of talented musicians the song was brought to life. Sadly, I have yet to even get close to reaching traveling there yet.

The song also has the perfect 40’s atmosphere. Recorded in 1941, the song would be following in a line of memorable songs for Billie Holiday. What particularly struck me as innovative was the usage of deep themes without explaining directly what was being talked about. We are given the use of the Bible in such a way to bully children, and the maturing of the child to understand Biblical content enough to argue the parent’s theory.

My favorite classic artist has quickly become Billie Holiday. I haven’t heard a song yet that I disliked. They also keep with the same moody flare that makes them good for most days. If you’re in a particularly disgruntled mood they seem to ring true with that feeling.

44 of 1001 Songs: Robyn with Kleerup’s With Every Heartbeat

 Today I listened to a tune that sounds like it could have been released yesterday. It’s pop sounds transcend well even with the minor changes in the genre since 2007.  It’s very catchy, and I like how it sounds more of the type of pop I generally like hearing.

History: In 2007, With Every Hearbeat, was released to help promote artist, Kleerup, with his own self titled album coming out. It was very hot over seas in countries like Belgium, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. In the United States it would break the top 20 on the Billboard charts. What you might notice about this song that makes it different from other pop tunes is that it has no major chorus. Instead it relies on a tune that cycles the song more. The song would garner critical praise for it’s usage of this.

This song is from two albums. The song was featured on Robyn’s Self Titled album, and Kleerup’s. I like the different energy of the song, and how it feels it transcends what would make particular genres popular at the time they were. I think it’s why you can pick up the song and still enjoy it now in a way that doesn’t feel it has aged.

The song also doesn’t seem long. It runs a little over 4 minutes, but it feels like you’re listening for only a couple of minutes. I think without a chorus it doesn’t have that pattern that goes through the stages where it builds toward the end, but also feels over extended with the energy. For some this might not make the song as memorable. Usually when we remember songs it will be the part we get stuck in our head, but this tune doesn’t get stuck in my head. That works because I like that, but makes it not so easy to remember.

If you like pop, or don’t, this is a different tune to check out. The artists keep it edgy. I can see why it garnered the attention it did, and in a genre that is very difficult to gain attention in, it does it in a way that makes you listen.

43 of 1001 Songs: Joseito Fernandez’s Guantanamera

 I know many, if not all, will disagree with me, but Joseito Fernandez is a bit more my speed of what I enjoy. Cuban music is a whole lot of fun, and with the recent reunited relations with Cuba between American, and needing a warmer song in this cool climate this seemed the perfect song to warm it up!

History: The beginnings of this song are sort of patchy, but Fernandez gets the main rights, if not all the attention for composing the song. For Cuba this is a hugely patriotic song, and it’s better known song from the country in other places. The song has been covered many times, with a popular version coming along in the 60’s of the tune. The lyrics are rather intriguing for the song as well, and worth looking up to learn a bit about the tune.

I had a lot of fun listening to this tune, and it might be one of the longer older tunes I’ve heard. Most only run around three minutes, but this one went a bit over four. I love the composure of the song though. Even though I can’t understand the language of the lyrics, I do hear a lot of the emotion from the singer performing the song enough to enjoy the tune, but what I really enjoy are the instrumentals.

I love the instrumentals on the album. You have a variety of brass and drumming instrumentals that bring out the flare of the song. I could have even just listened to these bits without the lyrics. The lyrics add a lot of emotion that wouldn’t otherwise be there though.

While I’m sure this song was released sometime in the early 40’s, I wasn’t able to find any exact date this song came on the radar. It’s odd considering they give a date for the covers. Perhaps it is because Joseito Fernandez claims this tune was made over time instead of all at once.

If you’re up for a listen of something different and a classic, then I do recommend this one. I have always loved music like this, and it makes me want to explore Cuban music more as well. This song also has been restored very well, and this brings out all the different enjoyable elements that make this song unique. I love how even the song opens with some acoustic playing, and the sound of the drums. It makes the song stand out, and have a lot of personality.

I also can’t help but wonder if I heard this song on Dexter? It sounded familiar the entire time I was listening.

42 of 1001 Songs: LCD Soundsystem’s Someone Great

Shortly after I graduated high school, LCD Soundsystem was releasing their 3rd single from their hit album, Sound of Silver. Someone Great was released in the UK, and quickly soar to the attention of everyone. I hadn’t heard this song till today, which might be surprising considering I’m sure it was popular at the time.

History: As I reading through the reviews for the album this song came from I noticed that it had very high reviews everywhere. I haven’t listened through the album, but it got me curious about it’s contents. There is a heavy electronica sound throughout, that is definitely prominent in this song, and it has a dramatic build up with the beat till the vocalist comes into play. It is easy listening music, with erratic spells.

I remember speaking to a lot of people, especially around this time, who noted that their favorite genre was techno or electronica. I never explored too in depth myself, but I can hear the appeal of talent people would have had to a song like this.

It’s odd as well as I grow further away in time from 2007, how 2007 or before stuff is beginning to sound. I’m not saying that is a good thing, maybe in some ways it is sad. There is definitely a glossed quality coming into current music that is different than from even music a few years ago.

I can also hear the dance pop in this song. You probably won’t be breaking it down hardcore to this tune, but it provides it’s own ease of movement. It also mixes it up at different points with heightened sounds, and a deep beat to balance out those elements.

Was this song exactly my particular thing? I can’t say it was. I can appreciate what makes it special enough to have the popularity it did, and even the listens it gets. I’ve never quite been drawn to this particular genre is the only reason. To note though how old this album makes me feel it was released at a time when it is was advanced to release a whole album for streaming on a Myspace page. If there was anything good about Myspace, it was the ability to show your personality through your favorite songs that week in your player.

If you haven’t heard the song then check out the video for it before. It’s worth a listen, and it definitely is unlike any tune I’ve heard before.

41 of 1001 Songs: Billie Holiday’s Gloomy Sunday

One of the most prominent female figures in music is Billie Holiday, and if you listen to a few of her songs you will understand why. One of her tunes has already appeared on this list from the 30’s, and she once again makes a hit in the 40’s.  Gloomy Sunday is a beautiful song, and it sets the mood perfectly for what the lyrics capture in the tune.

History: Interestingly this song was a Hungarian song performed in 1933 by Rezso Seress, but it didn’t hit popularity till Billie Holiday’s version. It was even adapted before her version by another set of English artists. She would perform the tune in 1941 around the time that World War Two was being entered by Americans. It’s interesting to think of the things perpetuating around this version in particular.

I love the instrumentals of the tune as much as I love the vocals. The lead in of wind instrumentals give it’s a nice jazz tone, and it builds the mystery that is reflected in Holiday’s voicing. She has an unique voicing that I haven’t heard anything like since.

The lyrical content is sung as if Holiday already has her own personal meaning behind the lyrics. She sings it as if she is singing her own gloomy Sunday tale. The music only gets better as you continue to listen, and not only do the vocals intensify, but so does the music.

The instrumentals aren’t projected as well as the song, but I more so attribute that to recording of the time. It’s restored beautifully, but still some qualities could probably only be captured by personally hearing it live at the time. The arrangement and composition of the song is beautifully done, and it weaves the idea of a dark fairy tale with the choice of instruments.

I love how by the end of this song every part of the song works together to build the emotions. I can see why the public might have been a bit frightened of this song at the time. In a time where we reflect on as light and positive even going into dark times, no one wanted to push forth the darker roots to be popular sentiments.

40 of 1001 Songs: M.I.A’s Paper Planes

I still associate this song with the Pineapple Express commercials. It was the only place I heard it considering by this point I didn’t listen to the radio anymore. If you’ve only heard it through those commercials, you’ll notice that the track sounds a bit different than in the ads. With added gun effects and the use of the word weed instead of seed, it gives a bit of a different effect.

History: Paper Planes was released in 2008. It doesn’t seem like that long ago, but it was. The song uses backing tracks like The Clash’s Straight to Hell for the unique sound that tones down the dance style of the song. The song would gain a lot of critical success though, and accolades.

It’s interesting that Paper Planes was the last single released from the album, Kala. The others were released over the span of 2 years before this one really garnered attention. Understandably, Paper is crafted uniquely and it does have a catchy sound that is hard to pass by if you hear it.

I get the talent of sampling backing tracks in the song ,and making them work in a new song, but for some reason I’ve never been a huge fan of that. I think this is because I already show preference to different genres where that isn’t as popular to do. Knowing the backing track is a sample of another song does take away from it for me.

There are some unique things about the song though. The female vocalist has voicing and a rap that does make it stand out among recent songs released. The song does feel as if it is repeating itself by the end of the 3 minutes though. There is also a lot of sound effects involved like a gun, which also took away from the song for me.

I can understand why people enjoy this song though. It has a unique and even artsy vibe. This isn’t a tune you’ll turn on the radio to, and hear at anytime either. It marches to it’s own beat, and it’s gotten recognized for that.

39 of 1001 Songs: The Ink Spots’ Java Jive

If you’re a coffee lover you might want to add a new song to your morning playlist, especially one that loves on coffee as much as this tune does. The Ink Spots progress the tunes into the 40’s, and it shows the era of the 40’s is one to get excited to listen to as I move away from songs from the 30’s.

History: The song shows a huge music transition from the 1930s to the 1940s. The lyrics are a lot different. They still have lots of rhythm, but way less emotional tension, and a lot more fun instead with the words of the song. It also moves along the genre of jazz after the birth of blues oriented artists in the 30’s. The harmonies are an ode to mostly coffee, but you also have a love for tea in the song also that rings through. The song was recorded in 1940.

Songs like this are a subtle reminder of how times have shifted, and even shifted from the early 40’s, till after World War 2. This song was a recorded single, and yet it has the ease of a jingle. The song is relaxing and it definitely got me wanting to drink a cup of tea while listening.

Another aspect I noticed about the tune was how crisp it was in comparison to the songs recorded in the 30’s. This is just 1940, but you can already hear the difference. Also, I understand that many changes in the music industry and preservation had also been occurring by this time to contribute to that as well.

I wanted to keep in mind the cultural changes that were occurring when listening. I know the 30’s were a harsh one, and from what I remember a brief time between America entering World War II and the Depression I believe was upbeat, and this song does reflect that.

I can’t help but be compelled by the harmonies though. The guitar leads in the tune well with the other instrumentals to get the listener curious, but when the harmonies begin the real charm of the tune also begins. It’s a simple song that reflects a simple enjoyment till this day that people have. I love how the song continues, and the harmonies become more of what carries the tune than the instrumentals.

For a song to start the 40’s this is definitely a great start, and I’m excited to see more of what this era is going to offer. The Ink Spots are worth checking out if you’re looking to explore of this era.

38 of 1001 Songs: Duffy’s Mercy

I realized that Duffy might be Kristen Chenoweth in disguise, and I also realized I still like the song today just as much when I heard it in 2008. Sadly, the song and even the artist, Duffy, would get swept under the rug years later in the comparisons to Amy Winehouse, or at least that is what I assume. Personally, I think they were both individually talented.

History: Duffy’s second single, Mercy, from the album Rockferry, would have positive notice, but a lot of questionable comparisons as well. This didn’t kill the buzz for the song that seemed to be in every commercial it could be fitted into. The song though is catchy, and it’s usage of the bass gives it more notice. Duffy also has a very that is recognizable despite comparable counterparts. It was released in 2008, and is just as recognizable song in 2015.

I haven’t heard the other songs that Duffy draws close comparison to with this one, but Duffy styles her voicing to keep enough uniqueness to it to stand out. I also think this song became a very popular feminine song. Men can listen to it just as easy, but the voicing and the lyrics provide a feeling of power for women listening. I at least would turn it on for a listen for some power.

The different elements are what make this tune powerful. You have a strong lead singer, and then an arrangement of instrumentals that contribute to the front woman. The opening is arguably the best part though. Every time I hear this song coming on, I can’t help but stopping to listen. I think what drove this song to be as prominent as it came to be was the catchy sound.

I don’t know if this song will be legendary in a few years. It was a huge chart topper with talent that abounded in it. I don’t know if it stands out against some other contemporaries that were also in the music industry at the same time. If I remember, I did listen to this song a good bit when it was released, but slowly just forgot it after a year or so.

37 of 1001 Songs: Solomon Linda and The Evening Birds’ Mdube

Most of us, especially kids from the 90’s, remember The Lion King, and what you might remember most about the movie were the songs featured. Especially the one with the chorus of the lion sleeping tonight. While there were some issues in using the song for the movie, and it is a cover of the original song from the 30’s, it’s how most of us in the current generation came to know the song.

History: While there isn’t much on The Evening Birds working with Solomon Linda on this tune, there is a good bit on the revolutionary performer from South Africa, Solomon Linda. This song became a huge hit in South Africa. The group though is credited with doing a unique new thing with vocals, which you probably noticed, in how they key their voices to sound like a texture of male and female voices even though everyone is male.

Vocals: Well the vocals are much like you’re imagining if you haven’t heard the original, because it follows closely to how the updated version would go on to sound. There is something highly catchy, and even puts you in a trance while you’re listening to this little tune though. I think it is the way the song interchanges between the varying sounds of the vocals though. As they intended to create, the way the song sounds like it is multiple sexes singing makes it more amazing it’s all guys singing.

Instrumentals: I’m unsure whether any actual instrumentals were used because everything sounded like harmonizing as I was listening, which makes the tune pretty impressive. The movement and transition of the tune utilizes so well the varying degrees of what the singers are able to do that you can’t even tell that they might or might not be using voices, or just instruments. Along with that Linda is the composer, and shows his skills at arranging this whole tune.

Where did I first hear this tune?: Well like most anyone my age, in their twenties that is, and perhaps most anyone alive unless you’re 80 and over, you might have heard this tune first in the 90’s, or at least the updated one. Listening to where it originally came from felt like an education and a nice look back onto where I found it in my childhood.

Well if you find yourself interested in wanting to check out more classic music that you might only find on singles or single vinyls then this is one to check out. I personally am enjoying the music from the 30’s in how diverse and passionate it is. It seems like a time where music was roaring and progressing and just enjoying what it could do instead of conforming.

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/kn5s1_BZ3Nw&source=uds

36 of 1001 Songs: Amadou and Mariam’s Sabali

So I’ve never heard of the Mali duo, Amadou and Mariam, but I can’t say I will ever go back to a time that I didn’t listen to them again now. The song, Sabali, was a lot of fun to listen to, and even though I don’t speak the same language I loved all the emotion and expression you could hear in their voicing. As the song goes on it picks up even more to sound like something that is beautiful.

History: Mariam and Amadou lost their eye sight at different ages in their lives, but they both know what it was like to one time see. Since losing their sight it seems their voices have become a guide and way to express all the atmospheres and senses from a perspective they’ve had to adjust to. The group has went on to be Grammy nominated and play at festivals like Lollapalooza. Now while there is much information on this particular song, the duo has accomplished a lot on their own.

Vocals: Both of them contribute to the vocals, and for some it might take some adjustment to listen to their voicing. Once I listened to only a few seconds of the song though I loved the way their voices were building to sound like something huger till it picks up into more a dance beat by the end. The harmonizing is well done, and the instrumentals sound like a modern mix of their own culture to make for some of the hippest arranged music around.

Instrumentals: I’m not too sure about all the details with the instruments in this song, but I do know that one plays the guitar, which adds a lot to the more electronic sounds that are happening in the tune. Outside of his guitar I can only guess that there is a guitar, and a drum happening to make for the instruments you’re hearing on the album. I love how it sounds though, and I feel it builds up very well, especially if you’re someone in the audience listening, and wanting to dance.

Lyrics: The lyrics to this song are really great! I love how positive and uplifting the meaning of the song is, particularly the moments where the verses mention having patience with others. I wish music had more of a message like this. Some of the stuff I’ve come across is such useless garbage, but then you come across songs like this, which is trying to put something good out there, and it comes from two people who’s joy you can feel radiating through the song.

I highly recommend this song. The lyrics are great and the overall arrangement of the rest of the song is memorable to the listener. I can’t help but think over the good feeling it gives you to listen even if you can’t speak the same language. You don’t have to speak it to know what it is they are saying is bringing some happiness.

Rating 9 of 10.

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/NRtQmqqfdoc&source=uds