What has happened to the country of Haiti is truly tragic. Sadly, though I have to admit that I have practically ignored what has happened. If you’re anything like me, if there is a problem that you can’t fix, you like to pretend like it doesn’t exist. Well I have been reminded lately of how big of a difference our generosity can make in times like this. Even though I can’t be there in Haiti to help out, that doesn’t mean that I can’t have an impact on their world.
So today I want to shine a light on an organization that has chosen not to ignore Haiti. Instead of just sitting at home and writing a check, the people at Paste Magazine are using the influence that God has granted them and have started a campaign to raise funds for the relief effort that is taking place in Haiti right now. They have asked artists from across the globe to donate songs that they would give away to those who donated to the relief fund. Right now there are over 200 artists that have contributed mp3′s for this cause, with a good portion of them offering exclusive unreleased songs.
Part of me feels a little sleezy trying to entice you into giving by telling you about all of the great music you can get if you do. But then again, if writing this post means that more money will be given, and more lives will be positively affected, then that is all that matters. I hope that those of you who are reading this recognize the great opportunity to “love your neighbor” through financial gifts and are doing so regularly. But that is another matter. For right now I have some great tunes to tell you about.
Paste has managed to get an excellent and very eclectic group of artists to participate. Of Montreal, Bruce Cockburn, Switchfoot, State Radio, Deer Tick, Andrew Bird, The Decemberists, Duncan Sheik, Ludacris and literally hundreds more have given songs to help the people of Haiti. And these aren’t just cheap b-side tracks that would’ve remained unheard. There are some real gems to be found in this musical smorgasbord. So head on over to SongsforHaiti.org and make a difference while you download music today.
A while back in a Guardian interview, when asked who she’d like to work with, Beyonce said that she would love to get the chance to work with Of Montreal or any of the other indie bands that her sister (Solange) has turned her onto recently. Well apparently Kevin Barnes took note of Queen B’s request. Last week, the Of Montreal frontman tweeted that he “Started work on a song 4 B.” She hasn’t contacted him yet, he just wants to be prepared, “just in case.” The name of the song is “He’sMyPartyDrug” and it “sounds like The Time meets Four Tet.” I know I’m intrigued. Let’s just hope Beyonce is too.
Today I thought I would share with you three tracks that managed to hide their elustrious beauty from my ears until just recently. I should have been singing praises of these three songs back when they were first released, but somehow they slipped under my radar until after the new year had rolled around. So here I am today preventing each of you from letting another year roll around before you hear these addictive tunes.
I thought I had listened to all of the latest Kings of Leon album, Only By the Night. But apparently I hadn’t, cause I don’t know how I could’ve heard this song and not been completely entranced right away. For that is what happened when I heard this track a couple of weeks ago while listening to an end of the year podcast on NPR’s All Songs Considered. I don’t care who you are, I think everyone can groove to this tune. The drum beat and little guitar riff that proceeds throughout just make you wanna just chill and dance at the same time, if that were possible. And there is a passion in Caleb’s voice like never before.
I’ve really been into pop tunes that you can dance to lately, and this one has found its way to the top of my playlists again and again this past month. I am in love with the horn intro. It is just a fun and danceable. And as always, Kevin Barnes knows how to use his words to reach your heart. Again I have no idea how I overlooked this gem of a song.
Now this song I did not accidentally overlook. I just ignored it. In fact I hated this track when I first listened to Day & Age. But it came up again when I was listening to my library on shuffle a couple weeks ago, and something in the chorus just struck me. I think it is just an absolutely lovely melody and I have not been able to stop listening to it.
I haven’t gotten the chance to hear this whole thing, but what I’ve heard I really enjoyed. And that is coming from someone who hasn’t been much of fan in the past. Obviously I enjoyed such great tracks as ‘Wraith Pinned to the Mist’ or ‘Heimdalsgate Like a Promethean Curse’. But I think I might have to go out and pick up this album.
Parts & Labor – Receivers
If you have been keeping up with the blog, you will know that I just recently discovered this band and that my knowledge of their existence doesn’t extend beyond a single track that I posted off of this week’s release. But that track was good enough to earn this album a spot in this feature.
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Brett Dennen - Hope For the Hopeless
Brett Dennen – Make You Crazy (ft. Femi Kuti) (removed 2/13/09)
I have been impressed with this young fellow from the beginning. He has an incredible voice and seems to have a great heart as well. He has been doing a lot lately use his influence to help those less fortunate than him. And fortunately for us, he’s been doing it while making great music at the same time. Go out and buy this guy’s album. Ain’t no reason you shouldn’t go out and buy this album.
Snow Patrol - A Hundred Million Suns
I absolutely loved Final Straw when it first came out, in fact I still love it. Although it was way over commercialized, I still was able to enjoy Eyes Open. But if their first single, ‘Take Back the City’ is any indication of the way their new release is going to go, I don’t think I should even bother. The song was just tailor made for pop radio and has no substance to it whatsoever. Just another anthem pop song for junior high boys and girls to sing along pump their fists to. I hate to see great potential like that go sour. Here’s to hoping I’m wrong.
Film
Pride and Glory
Edward Norton is the man. He is easily one of the best actors of our time. The story for this one doesn’t look too promising, but I will go simply to see Norton’s performance. Boy has this been a sorry year for film. It seems like I’m just gonna have to wait for Christopher Nolan to give us another addition to his incredible Batman series.
Thanks for reading. Hope your ears and eyes bleed this week.
What has happened to the country of Haiti is truly tragic. Sadly, though I have to admit that I have practically ignored what has happened. If you’re anything like me, if there is a problem that you can’t fix, you like to pretend like it doesn’t exist. Well I have been reminded lately of how big of a difference our generosity can make in times like this. Even though I can’t be there in Haiti to help out, that doesn’t mean that I can’t have an impact on their world.
