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.

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.

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

35 of 1001 Songs: Lead Belly’s The Gallis Pole

The next song on the list is getting me back to the blues, and it’s catchy and interesting. The instrumentals were where it was really at for me among the other sounds happening. Also, it’s a song you definitely are going to have go back and read the lyrics over as it moves extremely quick. I imagine people had to be moving with the pace of this song.

History: This song existed before Lead Belly covered it. His version though switched it up a bit though with more emphasis on the lyrics, and an instrument that would liven the tune up a lot. It was also the song that launched the song to be more familiar to the public as it is today. The song would go on to be covered by many other artists though like Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin, charting the song’s popularity didn’t stop with artists.

Vocals: There was actually a song that came on after The Gallis Pole that I really enjoyed by Lead Belly called, Where Did You Sleep Last Night? I was listening to that and wishing that was on the list instead. It sounded so much better, but I guess it lacks historical and cultural significance that got the other on the list. The singer really has a great voicing, but The Gallis Pole utilizes more of spoken word techniques, and has a certain pacing that I didn’t felt showed off the vocals as much. The way he paces his vocals works for the overall tone of the tune though.

Instrumentals: The most impressive thing about the song instrumentally is the use of the 12 string guitar. It shows a lot of talent a long to make your way around on that instrument much less play it in the style that it’s being played in this tune. Also, it is the primary instrument, but you don’t need too much more because the instrumentals and the vocals are enough to give this song enough rhythm and memorable moments without the addition of more.

Lyrics: So for a song that Lead Belly turned into a bit more of faster tune the lyrics are really dark. It’s basically about a guy about to be hanged on the gallows pole. Anyway, throughout the song it sounds as if he continuing to try to bargain his way off. A lot of songs I’m hearing from the 30’s either contain dark content, or lighter content like “Over the Rainbow”, but for the most part every song has this somber edge to it. It makes sense though considering the 30’s may have not been the easiest time to live in for anyone.

The Gallis Pole is a piece of blues history. I think Lead Belly has some better songs that show the talent of his vocals and instrument talent, but it makes sense as to why this was chosen from his collection because it does have a lot of value lyrically. Plus, the song was already a classic before he went on to popularize it anyways.

Rating 7 of 10.

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

33 of 1001 Songs: Judy Garland’s Over the Rainbow

Over the Rainbow is perhaps the most recognizable song of all time no matter what age you are. Judy Garland would sing the song in 1939. As I was listening it was easy to see why this song has had such long standing appeal. It has this very hopeful vibe to the tune that stays throughout. The singer seems to be a serious situation hoping for a positive change. It’s a realist song with a positive edge.

History: This song would be an Academy Award winning tune performed by Judy Garland. Before albums, songs were released as singles, so songs made for movies seemed to have the potential to garner a lot more individual attention. This song was specifically written for the movie, The Wizard of Oz. The song has spawned many covers, some that became quit popular for the artist who covered it.

Vocals: I think the lovely aspect of the song is how mature the song sounds. It has lyrics that sound like they are for a more adult person to sing, with even a mature backing instrumental to give it power. Garland’s voicing is what makes it more accessible to all age groups. When she recorded this in the 30’s she was younger and the youthful vibe of her voice makes this song more appealing to all age groups. Whether you’re a kid who is feeling alone, or not like they are understood to an adult who is feeling under appreciated, or just hopeless in a job, this song has a wide range of appeal in relating to how people feel in a given moment. Garland’s voice ranges from sounding somber to almost dreamy.

Instrumentals: The instrumentals sound very classical and true to what you would hear in the 30’s. Somehow though this song has managed to translate into a timeless sound. The orchestra arrangement sounds like something out of a Disney movie, and I think since most people will grow up hearing this song and ones like it they will associate it with more so a timeless childhood tale than anything.

Lyrics: The lyrics are perhaps the best bit, at least for me, regarding the song. It has a lot of dreamy imagery, for example the rainbow, that makes the song have a whimsical and carefree vibe.  For me I mostly heard the song growing up, so instead it made me think of all the things I want to be when I’m adult as a child. To be honest, I don’t know that I would go back and listen to this song as an adult though. It’s more of a nostalgia thing with me.

The song is a beautifully written song, and with the simple yet serious toned message it’s no wonder it’s had the long term appeal that it has had. Garland also has a very lovely voice. To be honest though the song got better as she got older and her voice sounded more like a woman though. For many the song will be best heard when you’re viewing the movie The Wizard of Oz.

Rating 7.5 of 10.

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/1HRa4X07jdE&source=uds

32 of 1001 Songs: MGMT’s Time to Pretend

This is another song I remember listening to a good bit when it was first released. I have to say of the ones I’ve went back and listened to again though this one catchy still and I liked it, but as far as meaning it got me disgruntled. It’s a very early twenties song, and maybe maturing just makes it rub me the wrong way. I arrangement of the instrumental sounds though does give it this very movie tone though, and I can’t deny it is quite catchy.

History: This song became quite a hit when the second version was released on their album, Oracular Spectacular. There was an earlier version on their EP. Basically the song is about as straight in meaning as you can get. This song made many best of lists, including Time’s. It would also be the most successful song that MGMT has had to date.

Vocals: The lead vocals are distorted sounding, but they blend well with the instrumentals. Now I have no idea what the vocals would sound like without all the layers of mechanics to it though. So it could be a hard song to perform live because of the way the vocalist sounds. I like the energy of the song though, and the tone of the song does have this youthful and hopeful vibe that matches the tone of the tune. There is a lot of energy working through the vocals as well despite the monotone, almost robotic quality of the vocals.

Instrumentals: This song is classified as rock though I would almost say it’s more for electronic fans. Well there are only two guys working on the album. The vocalist contributed to several instruments, and so does one other guy. Everything from keyboards, guitars, drums, and synthesizers can be heard on this song, and it’s combined well to get the sound they get for the song, which makes anyone listen think of the rockstar lifestyle. Perhaps it is the channeling of instrumentals that have been used in all sorts of rock, especially the rock of rockstars, to give us that imagery as you listen.

Lyrics: Just as you would imagine the rockstar life the lyrics are pretty materialistic, and vulgar. The song in it’s own way is very dark though. While it might reflect the lifestyle of having anything you want from drugs to models, it also gets even darker as the song goes on as the singer reflects on the loses with fame though. Including the boredom of a normal life, losing the closeness of family, and the idea of your childhood home in exchange for what fame can bring. By the end of the song the rockstars have had children, divorced, and are chocking on the vomit from overdoses of their addictions. Whether the singer’s view this as a negative is left to obscurity because even in the way they discuss the song they don’t portray it negatively.

The song is very catchy, and honestly dark despite the light electronic sound it carries throughout the whole tune. I have to say I still hear the appeal of what I did when I first listened to it though, but I also feel like I’ve grown away from listening to things with such lyrical content. Perhaps the regular person might find value in the warnings of materialism and fame, but otherwise there isn’t much to garner from it after listening despite a really catchy beat.

Rating 8 of 10.

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/B9dSYgd5Elk&source=uds

29 of 1001 Songs: Robert Johnson’s Hellhound on my Trail

So I used this single cover of Cross Road Blues because finding a cover to use for Hell Hound on My Trail was even more complicated. It seems the song has inspired many art prints and artistic endeavors of those who enjoy the tune. Johnson is a very bluesy artist, and while I’m sure plenty of women enjoy his music there is a masculine tone that is present in most songs that show cases the appeal.

History: This song further puts into the tale that Johnson sold his soul to the devil to achieve his musical talents. People continued to let this song fuel the tale even though plenty of artist before Johnson had discussed the topic of hellhounds. The song though has achieved a legacy as well. It’s been inducted in blues’ hall of fame, and has been credited as one of the most influential blues song there is. It’s still one of Johnson’s most popular singles to date.

Vocals: Johnson also has some of the most blues driven vocals on the list so far, and along with that come the very blues music. I can’t say that I’m huge fan of many of the aspects of blues outside the guitar though I admit there is plenty of talent in the genre. Johnson singing style is very emotional, so sometimes it includes ranges that go everywhere, but it heightens the emotions of the music he is singing as well, so that is a positive aspect of the song.

Instrumentals: The pacing of the instrumentals are done very well to amp up the emotions of the lyrics and the singing. The guitar has a nice rhythm, and it is memorable. I guess still I was feeling underwhelmed with the whole tone of the song still though. While I like how Johnson has arranged the song I still wasn’t feeling a connection with the instrumentals or the vocals, but I think it’s the possible theme of the lyrics that steer me the most away from the song.

Lyrics: The lyrics sound like a man on the run from something bad, which makes sense as to why this song continues the idea that Johnson sold his soul to the devil for his talent. With the idea in southern churches at the time, which the south is where Johnson is from, that hellhounds were actually sent to catch sinners it would be relevant that Johnson thought he would be the target of hellhounds if he thought they existed. I do find it intriguing how the culture of the time is so weaved into Johsnon’s music. Whether it’s faith imagery that was popular at the time or dealing with racial perceptions he stays for relevant to the 30’s. I still just don’t think I could even listen to the content.

Johnson has made his name in blues legend. If you listen to blues there is a very good chance you’re listening to Johnson. There are definitely all the elements there for blues from the emotional lyrics, the guitar, and even the voicing. It’s arranged in a way that sets a tone, and it’s inspired many musicians afterwards to pattern the genre in the same way.

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/3UVgH9JqSnQ&source=uds

28 of 1001 Songs: Santogold’s L.E.S. Artistes

So at the time this song was recorded the artist now known as Santigold instead spelled it Santogold, so I just spelled it the way it was at the time of recording. This was an artist I had heard the name of, but wasn’t familiar with, and I have to say it was a nice surprise. This artist sings what is known as pop, but also the modern take on new wave that honestly has struggled to be as popular a genre since it left with the 80’s. To be hones though I don’t know that new wave could ever truly exist anymore without the sounds I acquaint with the genre.

History: Santogold would cause a stir with her debut album that would release a couple of hits. Her second single would be L.E.S Artistes. The song did receive good critical attention, but it seems that Rolling Stones would really love it. It also was a bigger hit in the U.K. than it was even in America at the time of it’s release. The song was released in 2008, but there are already bands covering the song.

Vocals: Santi White is the vocalist, and she does have great vocals. They don’t over do it, so the spotlight of the song is evenly balanced all around between her singing and the arrangement of sounds backing her. For those who like a cooler pop sound her voicing captures it very well. It’s chill, but also still maintaining an artsy vibe to the whole song.

Instrumentals: The song does involve a new wave aspect. So you hear traditional instruments like the drums and guitars, but there is a whole other layer of sound happening as well beneath what they’ve arranged through those outlets. There are wide range of instruments being credited for appearing on the album including a horn arrangement, organs and more. It’s the keyboard that brings in a bit of the new wave sound some might be looking for though.

Lyrics: I honestly like the very inspiring lyrics of this song. Santi White did explain the lyrics to be about her move to New York and how she believed their was a fake artist vibe going around, and it rubbed her the wrong way. So this song essentially puts off the vibe about being real about who you are and the beliefs you have as an individual. There are some easy to relate to ideas in the song. Like most music nowadays the lyrics are obscure enough so just about anyone can take it to a situation and apply it to your own situation, and with a song like this that does work.

Santogold now Santigold, has made a good song with this, and it has gotten me interested in exploring further. It’s upbeat, and balances the tones of seriousness well without being a downer. The vocals are also strong, and don’t over power the song too much, and leave even balance for every element of the song as well. My biggest obstacle is that I just don’t know how well I would remember this song down the line.

Rating 8 of 10.

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/D7KA0czhP4o&source=uds