It died but it has yet to be buried. My former Phillips mp3 player stopped dead in its tracks (oh, dear, have I just come up with a superb musical pun? Methinks so) a fortnight ago and had to be replaced straight away. To be honest I still don't know what's wrong with it. The music folder disappeared mysteriously and with it the two-hundred-plus songs I'd put on it. I rushed to the nearest shop and bought a new one, but, it was utter rubbish. Please, take this piece of advice. If you ever come across the brand Archos, in whichever form, run a mile away from it. It's the worst make I've ever encountered. The shop compensated me and gave me a brand new, black 4GB Sony NWZB163 mp3 player. 4 giga is fine with me. It holds approximately between five-hundred and six-hundred tunes and it's perfect for when I'm on the move or out jogging.
"Ich glaube, Janis starb an einer Überdosis Janis." This quote, by Eric 'The Animals' Burdon, was the phrase that set me off on the path to learning German. I wanted to find out why Janis had died of a Janis overdose and the book detailing her life was in German. In years to come someone will probably say "Ich glaube, Amy starb an einer Überdosis Amys."
The first time my wife and I heard Amy Winehouse was on Choice Fm. Straight away we were impressed by her vocal delivery and the lyrics. She had a beautiful Billy Hollidayish rasp, mixed with a more rooted, proper north London nasal twang. It's a pity that her booze'n'drugs lifestyle took its toll in the end. I'd rather remember her as she appeared on Jools Holland about the same time her debut album "Frank" came out. "Stronger than me" is a well-written pop song. I hope you enjoy it.
It's strange that this song is twenty-six years old and yet, it still sounds fresh. Suzanne Vega has such a distinctive timbre and in "Knight Moves" you can see why. She is one of the few singers who knows what to do with her voice. Beautiful.
Raw, dirty, blues-infused, no-holds-barred, nihilistic, take-no-prisoners. There are many more words I could use to describe the music of The Black Keys but if, like me, you're into real, heartfelt music and not the Justin Bieber drivel that gets put out by the corporate machine, then, watch the next clip, "Just Got To Be". Rocking.
In June, for Father's Day, I gave myself a present, or rather, several presents. I bought four CDs which had long been on my endless "Saved Items" queue on amazon.co.uk. Of the four, Anoushka Shankar and Karsh Kale's record "Breathing Under Water" is the one that gets played the most. And "PD7" is one of my favourite numbers. I hope it becomes yours, too. By the way, if you want to listen to another highlight from the album, the magnificent 'Little Glass Folk', click here. It's mesmerising, to say the least. The only reason I didn't include it is that the clip is just an image of the CD cover. I'm quite fussy when it comes to uploading videos on my blog. Have a nice week!
Next Post: "While My MP3 Gently Plays", to be published on Sunday 7th August at 10am (GMT)
i enjoyed amy winehouse, thank you. never listened to her song before her death. i shall click on vega afterwords since i know her luka, so would like to hear her voice again as you have described it. happy sunday cuban. tomorrow is ramadhan.
ReplyDeleteBack to Black is one of my favourite albums - love her voice - thanks for your lovely comments on my last post - I shall really miss blogging about Mexico but am relocating to the South of France in 2 weeks to take up a new position at the International School of Monaco - I hope the Riviera is going to continue to provide some inspiration for blogging...we will see..am enjoying keeping tracks on yours...Greetings from London..
ReplyDeleteI was listening to some Amy Winehouse last night, thinking about how sad it was that she self destructed when she clearly had so much to offer the world.
ReplyDeleteAnd, Cuban, that Anoushkar Shankar/Karsh Kale piece made my day. I loved the energy and the flute was outstanding. Great stuff.
jai
Thanks for your kind comments. That Shankar/Kale track is definitely one of my favourite songs at the moment. Listened to it again today whilst out jogging.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
I confess that I hadn't listened very much to Amy until her tragic death. Now, I love Back to Black and I'm so sad that we won't have any more gems from this talented, if tortured, lady. Now, maybe you can help me - I am looking for a video to promote a series on Cuban Music at the Museum of the African Diaspora in SF. The series is on "El Son Afro-Cubano" and while I"ve found a lot of Cuban music, I'm not sure any of it is quite right. But in the mean time, I"m listening to a whole lot of fantastic music. Cantamos y bailamos!
ReplyDeleteI liked the way how the post talks of a personal anecdote and also gives the videos of the music you have enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteAnoushka Shankar and Kale are household names in India (in certain sections, you know what I mean).
Well, I should try listening to Winehouse. I had a mental block against her music without hearing any of her songs. I should try now.
Thanks.
Joy always,
Susan
I tend to just use my phone for mp3s now - I have a separate mp3 player, but it just gathers dust.
ReplyDeleteI'm years behind. I still use an FM radio (in my phone) to jog with. The NWZB163 isn't that expensive for what it is. I'm tempted.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your kind comments. I'm sorry if I've somewhat disappeared but I'm having a fab time with my family. I'll be popping by your blogs very soon.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
Sorry to hear about your old mp3 but good that you got it replaced and upgraded. That Winehouse story was tragic - all that talent and youth gone for no good reason. Vega is one of my favorites too.
ReplyDeleteI was just talking with my husband about how I think books will survive next to ebooks like CDs and mp3s. The quality makes it a better gift.
I really loved the musical selections this week, Cuban -- some old favorites and some new things that I'd never heard before -- the perfect mix!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your kind comments.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
Hi there! It's been awhile since I've swung by. Sorry to hear of your phillips kicking the tracks, but cool about the new sony. I've never heard 'Knight Moves' by Suzanne Vega before, it's absolutely moving and gorgeous. I hear the best music at your place here. ;-)
ReplyDeleteAnd btw- The Black Keys are one of my favorite bands too. Good taste!