The most beautiful songs in the world
So I have a blogger account now, as a result of joining the Sunday Night Bike Dinner Explosion! (more on that later), and found myself listing favourite music by a few choice songs, rather than just genre. It got me thinking, and as I was walking home this afternoon, I found myself humming a favourite Morricone tune. So I thought I'd take a nostalgic little trip and share what I think are some amazing songs:
The Ecstasy of Gold - Ennio Morricone
As cheesy as the title may suggest, this song from "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" still blows my mind. A simple piano arpeggio throughout (later ripped off by Metallica), the gradual buildup of percussion, the glorious wordless vocals. It's worth watching the 3+ hours of the movie, to see Tuco run around a sun-baked graveyard for the entire duration of this song. My dream is to cover this live, but I need to find an amazing singer.
Journey To Reedham (3am mix) - Squarepusher
It's like they took 'Popcorn' and made it amazing! I was obsessed with this track post-graduation, and requested it on a number of mix tapes until buying my own copy. The beats are ridiculous, some might go so far as to say gassy, but the melodies are gorgeous and the atari-like synth tones remind me of a childhood I never had. In the future.
Long After Tonight Is All Over - Irma Thomas
This is a new favourite of mine, from Mojo magazine's 'Southern Soul' compilation. I was excited about this whole CD, it's perfect for work, and I don't mind repeated listens, but this song in particular makes me happy. There is a Dusty Springfield version as well, which I should check out.
Sweeter and Sweeter - Julie Doiron and The Wooden Stars
Another last-on-the-album song. Julie writes beautifully confessional music, and adding the instrumentation and harmonies of The Wooden Stars is genius. In this re-working of an earler solo aucoustic song, Julien Beillard actually sings most of the song, with Julie coming in gradually, initially singing one word per line, slightly off the beat. A hypnotic and melancholy first half builds into a very triumphant and heartfelt finish.
My Girl - The Wooden Stars
One of the most beautiful things I've ever heard. I first saw this group in a small university town bar (Ducky's in Sackville, NB) and was blown away. The headlining act (Elevator To Hell) had canceled, so we were treated to two amazing sets. In addition to their quirky but emotional original songs, The Wooden Stars jazzed up their set with covers such as 'Sex Machine', and 'My Girl'. This is already a great song, but they added these amazing harmonies which seem to exist only in my dreams. I've since done this at Karaoke, attempting to emulate their spirit. The good news is they are recording again....
Matt Reid (at loss for words): "That was amazing. Um, So do you like Frank Zappa?"
Michael Feuerstack: "No, too insincere....I like music that makes me cry. But then, I also like James Brown, and he doesn't make me cry"
More later!
The Ecstasy of Gold - Ennio Morricone
As cheesy as the title may suggest, this song from "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" still blows my mind. A simple piano arpeggio throughout (later ripped off by Metallica), the gradual buildup of percussion, the glorious wordless vocals. It's worth watching the 3+ hours of the movie, to see Tuco run around a sun-baked graveyard for the entire duration of this song. My dream is to cover this live, but I need to find an amazing singer.
Journey To Reedham (3am mix) - Squarepusher
It's like they took 'Popcorn' and made it amazing! I was obsessed with this track post-graduation, and requested it on a number of mix tapes until buying my own copy. The beats are ridiculous, some might go so far as to say gassy, but the melodies are gorgeous and the atari-like synth tones remind me of a childhood I never had. In the future.
Long After Tonight Is All Over - Irma Thomas
This is a new favourite of mine, from Mojo magazine's 'Southern Soul' compilation. I was excited about this whole CD, it's perfect for work, and I don't mind repeated listens, but this song in particular makes me happy. There is a Dusty Springfield version as well, which I should check out.
Sweeter and Sweeter - Julie Doiron and The Wooden Stars
Another last-on-the-album song. Julie writes beautifully confessional music, and adding the instrumentation and harmonies of The Wooden Stars is genius. In this re-working of an earler solo aucoustic song, Julien Beillard actually sings most of the song, with Julie coming in gradually, initially singing one word per line, slightly off the beat. A hypnotic and melancholy first half builds into a very triumphant and heartfelt finish.
My Girl - The Wooden Stars
One of the most beautiful things I've ever heard. I first saw this group in a small university town bar (Ducky's in Sackville, NB) and was blown away. The headlining act (Elevator To Hell) had canceled, so we were treated to two amazing sets. In addition to their quirky but emotional original songs, The Wooden Stars jazzed up their set with covers such as 'Sex Machine', and 'My Girl'. This is already a great song, but they added these amazing harmonies which seem to exist only in my dreams. I've since done this at Karaoke, attempting to emulate their spirit. The good news is they are recording again....
Matt Reid (at loss for words): "That was amazing. Um, So do you like Frank Zappa?"
Michael Feuerstack: "No, too insincere....I like music that makes me cry. But then, I also like James Brown, and he doesn't make me cry"
More later!