Interesting, again
About a year ago, a friend asked me “What CD is on repeat in your CD player?” Today, we’ve moved much more toward a software approach to music, and the question might be “What’s on your playlist.”
I’m happy to say that, yes, music has become interesting again. Those who know me well know that I love The Innocence Mission–but that seems to be winter music. I’ve been looking for some “fair weather” tunes, and I’m happy to say, I’ve found some. Here’s what I’m currently listening to, and why:
- Miriam Jones — You’ll find her on Amiestreet.com, the indie music site. She had two songs that were semi-finalists in the International Songwriting Competition, and her work is both complex and enjoyable. She’s a little bit folky, jazzy, poppy with good lyrics and surprising arrangements. She only has two albums worth of material, but I’m looking forward to much more from this talented artist.
- Susan Enan — Okay, so she has only released two tracks–but amazing tracks they are. I first heard her in the soundtrack to the film Cult of Sincerity, and I love her clear voice and elegant arrangements. I’m ready for more from her.
- Pearlfishers — These folks are, depending on which press releases you read, either from Scotland or Ireland. They are a bit pop-oriented, which, roughly translated means “not my kind of music.” The truth is, they have a winsome style that is hard to compare with anything else that is out there. Their music harkens back to times gone by, and does so with an amazingly diverse set of influences and styles.
- Michelle Whalen — It’s my privilege to have Michelle and her husband in my circle of friends. She sings honestly about Christian faith, struggles and challenges, joys and exaltations. Her new CD, Fringes, is worth a listen…and her voice is expressive, honest, and her range of tone, depth, timbre, and emotion will surprise you.
- Tyler Burkum — Tyler goes into my “artists I know” column. His dad and I have been friends for several years, and I have the privilege of working with his wife. I have great respect for Tyler, both musically and personally. He is the only person I know who has won four Grammy awards (for his work with Audio Adrenaline). Now, he takes his musical talent in his own direction, and the results are amazing. Buy his CD.
That’s it. As usual, I’m listening to musical innovators with one-of-a-kind styles, voices, and approaches. I know music is very personal, but, since I’m the blogger and you are the bloggee, I thought I would share some of the stuff I have discovered and enjoyed. This is all good summer music.