Sufjan Stevens: Songs For Christmas

While you are celebrating Christmas and New Year's day with family and friends you might want to use Sufjan Steven's latest album as this year's holiday soundtrack. It was released at the end of November, and a frenzy of favorable reviews have followed, which is typical with Stevens' records; but I must admit that I am not sure about this one.

First of all let me say that I have only had the album for about a week and therefore have only listened to the record in its entirety 6 times or so--my point being that it may grow on me as Stevens' other records have. However, at this particular moment my reaction to the music is lukewarm. The songs are a collection of traditional Christmas songs and his own holiday-themed compositions ranging from lo-fi productions to the more elaborate arrangements that have made his previous work unique in today's music scene. Some of the lo-fi tracks, like "O Holy Night" on the third disc are solid and make the collection worth purchasing, but other tracks, like "Did I Make You Cry On Christmas Day? (Well, You Deserved It!)" are confusing; and "Jingle Bells" is just bad.

Stevens is a genuine artist whose clever ideas have intrigued many listeners, including this writer, and the sing along style of this production is a far cry from the over-produced wailing that we get from pop divas this time of year. So I am happy to see Stevens' approach to Christmas music which I think has been absent for too long. The sticker, tablature, and other goodies make it a fun purchase and well worth the twenty dollars it is sold for (we're talking 5 discs, mind you), but the execution seems sloppy to me, and on the whole the quality of the performances are mediocre.

Sufjan has produced such interesting, well-arranged, well-thought-out music before that anytime he falls a bit short of that awe-inspiring level some of us are taken a back. Or at least one of us has been. And this collection of songs almost, ALMOST, gives off the impression that he just wanted to get something out on the market to serve as a counterpoint to "That Creepy Christmas Feeling."

Merry Christmas

Wishing you and everyone you know a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season- from the music worth hearing family

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P37xPiRz1sg

Shonen Knife

Shonen Knife is an all female j-rock trio that is worth checking out (J-rock is Japanese rock music). Some j-rockers try hard to appease the familiar tastes of the American palette, no doubt for fiscal stardom – but Shonen Knife stays true to their musical chi. They are three cool girls who want to rock, and in conjunction with their own musical tastes- sing and jam like an American alternative band. In a strange way there is something so pleasantly original and irresistible about these girls singing in broken English - in union with some animated guitar playing and bubbly drumming. Their gentile sounds are only a guise – when Naoko Yamano sings I hear a censored rock and roll rage that riles me up. I can’t get enough of their sound. Check them out first to pacify your own curiosity and second because they are good. I can’t compare them to any band I know- yet they remind me of every band I like. Enjoy.

Current repeat- “I am a cat”

Coming soon- A House

Nick

Beck: The Information

I am a fan of Beck. And so when I picked up 'The Information' a couple of months ago I was excited and expected to like much of the album immediately. However, as anyone who has followed this artist knows, you never know what Beck is going to throw at you.

'The Information' is a pop, folk, funk, psychedelic, hip-hop, infused creation with some baroque scales thrown in for good measure. I think that my response to this barrage of sounds was a standard one: "Whoa!" This is not to say that the record is a cacophony, there is just a lot to process.

Everytime Beck releases something new everyone makes a big deal about how he continues to defy anyone trying to pin him down. But in this album we see a lot of the same elements that he used in previous efforts, i.e. 'Guero,' 'Sea Change,' and 'Mutations' especially. So my first recommendation is if you enjoyed those albums you are going to enjoy bits of this one. In a sense, 'The Information' is just a continuation of the conversation that was started with those previous records. The harpsichords, harmonicas, and synthesizers are still there, Beck's absurdist lyrics are still there, he has just created a mixture that goes a slightly different direction.

My favorite tracks are 'Think I'm In Love,' an up beat song that has molded the 'Mutations' and 'Sea Change' albums perfectly, 'Nausea,' a punk rock track that harkens back to his days of lo-fi silliness, and 'Strange Apparition,' an acoustic guitar driven song that gets me singing along every time. The album is not very cohesive, but that is part of its attractiveness, reeling back at what appears to be a mess is your first reaction, but you soon find yourself listening to nothing else. Somehow, Beck is able to combine elements that no one would ever consider doing and miraculously make it sound good. This is a rare talent, and I suggest you give it a chance if you haven't already.

And as an extra, non-music-related bonus, the album comes with collectable stickers that you can decorate the blank CD case with, which entertained me for hours.

The Yeah Yeah Yeah's

I can’t stop listening to “Maps” by the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s. This is a great song. Great build-up- successful repetitions- active beats- and a sexy voice. The sounds of this New York City based trio- comprised of Karen O, Brian Chase, and Nick Zinner- can best be tagged as art punk- as if you combined the climate of the Velvet Underground with the raw emotion of the Strokes – fronted by Deborah Harry. Their 2006 release, Show Your Bones, does not disappoint. “Gold Lion” is a can’t-miss song- and the newest Yeah Yeah Yeah’s song I can’t get enough of. Karen O is eerily reminiscent of Kim Deal during the Pixie’s prime- and this band- in my opinion will follow in their footsteps.

They make you feel so many different things- all good. Check them out- they are for real.

Current repeat- “Gold Lion”

Coming Soon- Shonen Knife

Nick

Cut Chemist: Audience's Listening

Cut Chemist, the California based MC, released this well-crafted album in early July. I have listened to this album over and over again since I picked it up soon after it was released and like any good artistic creation, each time I discover another level to the music. I would not classify myself as a big DJ / MC / electronica enthusiast, and I am not even familiar enough with how these guys scratch and spin records to know whether or not Cut Chemist is a top quality scratcher, but there are some songs that really blow me away. The track "(My 1st) Big Break" is a good example of how fast this guy can scratch without making it sound like a mess. If you are a fan of this kind of skill you have to listen, and even if you aren't it is worth a listen (and I almost guarantee that you will press repeat).

The album has got some great sampling work, "The Garden" pumps up an already smooth sounding Astrud Gilberto song, "Berimbau" and in my opinion, anything with her velvety voice in it is a winner. Another track, "What's the Altitude" features the rapper Hymnal, is probably the most conventional song on the record, by which I mean you can at least sing along with a chorus--unlike most of the other songs.

If I owned a chic cafe I would definitely play this album in the background as it exudes that kind of groove. But that is not to say that it is a totally chill album, because most of the tracks are danceable and have certainly hit the club scene by now; but for those who avoid electronica because they consider it to be too in your face or hard to listen to I would recommend picking this album up. Yes, there is a lot of scratching, but there is also a lot of melodious material that most of us can enjoy.

Everyone Should Like Samba

Samba.

The pulse of Brazil.

Think velvety voices and intoxicating guitar strums.

Think attractive couples gliding across a dance floor in unison.

Think what you will, but everyone can find something to their liking in this genre of music.

Samba emerged as a distinctive genre in the early twentieth century in Brazil, developing from the traditional music of black immigrants from various African countries, but mainly Angola. By the 1930's samba schools existed in Brazil and the genre sprouting numerous variations including Bossa Nova.

It is the Bossa Nova style that most people are familiar with. It gained international popularity in the 1950's through the compositons of Joao Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and Stan Getz. Their have also been waves of popularity in the 1970's and 80's of different samba variants.

Most samba is percussion driven, filled with hand drums, tambourines, and different types of stringed instruments. If you ever spend time in Brazil during Carnival, or even watch clips on TV you will see samba groups, or 'sambistas,' playing the soundtrack to the celebration. And while sambas is the soul of Brazil, it is still immensely popular in all parts of the world including places like Japan and Germany--I know naming those two countries may seem rather arbitrary, but there's something funny, if not downright strange about it.

I think this speaks to samba's worth. If two nations as different as Germany and Japan can embrace samba music, then it has to tempt you at least a little bit! If you are already a fan of samba, then I hope this article reinforces your interest in the music, but if you have given up on samba, or have never bothered to give it a chance then I encourage you to do so.

You will not regret it.

"The Harder They Come"

“The Harder They Come” – soundtrack - 1972

“The Harder they Come” is a classic film directed by Jamaican Perry Henzell. It was the first film to come out of Jamaica, and it is the vehicle that propelled singer Jimmy Cliff to stardom. The soundtrack, chronologically with the film, reveals the story of a young musician (Ivan), played by Cliff, who comes to the city in hopes of becoming a reggae star. It features three unforgettable songs from Cliff -“Many Rivers to Cross,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want it,” and “the Harder They Come.”

Cliff has a matchless gallantry in his voice, pooled with an unstoppable- old-school reggae off- beat that nets any audience. He is someone you should listen to. It’s not the sophisticated doo-wop of Bob Marley, or the fashionable hardcore dancehall sounds of Sean Paul. This is a different kind of reggae more familiar with Jamaicans and Europeans. Imagine yourself in a brand-new white linen suit- you are walking through the streets of Kingston- noises all around- cold red-stripe in your hand- it’s a warm night- perfect temperature-you don’t know where you’re going- you step into a beachside hall- moonlight reflecting off the disco ball- beautiful women dancing like only they can. This is the feeling racing through me- when I listen to Cliff.

The disc also features songs from other reggae greats- Toots and the Maytals, and Desmond Decker. “Pressure Drop” (Toots and the Maytals) is a consummate reggae song. It has the beats, the sensation, and the unpolluted sounds. 007 (Desmond Decker) introduces the sounds of “the rude boys” to Jamaica. A reggae hero in Jamaica before the rise of Marley, Decker perfects the use of back-up singers, and is the voice of the underground.

Check out this soundtrack. It is unquestionably one of the greatest reggae compilations ever produced.

My current repeat- 007

Coming Soon- the Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Nick

Tom Petty: The Ironman of Rock

A few days ago I was driving when the local rock station played "Saving Grace" a single from Tom Petty's 2006 album "Highway Companion." I had never heard the song before, I didn't even know that Petty had recorded an album lately, but I instantly recognized his no nonsense, four-chord rock.

Tom Petty has been cranking out his brand of timeless rock-n-roll for thirty years now and has written songs like "American Girl," "Free Fallin,'" "Into the Great Wide Open," & "Mary Jane's Last Dance." These four songs still get regular airtime on many U.S. rock radio stations, and his opera includes countless other songs that most people can sing by heart.

So why is it in this age of one hit wonders and now-you-see-them-now-you-don't artists that Petty can continue to churn out songs that are popular? Why do so many artists get only 90 days of airtime when Petty's music can be heard everyday on classic rock stations, alternative rock stations, and even pop stations?

Some may say that it is due to the fact that Petty long ago established his fan base and therefore he is going to garner a substantial amount of attention for whatever he does. There may be something to this, but it is easy to point to a number of bands emerging in the late 70's that were tremendously popular and have fallen off the face of the earth since. No, I believe that it is something else that keeps Petty on the charts, it is the fact that he is one of the few artists today that writes fantastic rock songs.

It would be fair, I think, to label Petty as a purist. His music is a traditional type of rock that doesn't go out of style--that is the source of his longevity. When one listens to "Highway Companion" there is a certain familiarity in the music that makes it attractive. You can hear riffs and chord progressions that are similar to old Petty tunes, but they are just fresh enough to make one want to listen to the songs over and over again. His music is not repetitive or boring. Petty has a musical language of his own and when you understand it, you are hooked, and even if you don't understand it you know it when you hear it.

This is largely because his music is completely his. There is no over-production on Petty's records. He found his niche in rock and has continued to produce enjoyable records. There is a lesson here for musicians: Find your voice and develop it; there is no need to reinvent yourself with every record just to stay fresh. Petty's work ethic and contributions to rock are admirable and his numerous Grammy nominations, and Hollywood Walk of Fame Star, among other rewards are a testament to this.

I hope he can find it in him to make music for the next thirty years.

Golem: Fresh Off Boat

Golem is an explosive neo-klezmer band at the forefront of a thriving NYC Eastern European-Punk scene. The group's superb musicianship, linguistic virtuosity, and tremendous energy are an incredible treat. I have to admit that when I first heard of Golem and the klezmer-folk-punk genre I was confused and ready to write it off without giving it much of a chance. However, this music grabs ahold of you from the first accordion note and refuses to let go.

Listening to this record is an indoctrinating experience. It is an introduction to a culture's rich musical history, as the group researches old klezmer music for their albums, but by revamping and rocking out Golem dispells anyone tempted to criticize covering traditional music. The performances are delightfully over the top, and if you do not catch yourself trying to sing along with the foreign lyrics then you are unbelieveably BORING!

The track "Golem Hora" is a good example of the melding of traditional melodies with a modern twist. The famous Jewish melody's new lyrics are "Have a tequila, Have a tequila, Have a tequila. JUST ONE MORE" Another track, which is featured above, tells the story of a man who heads to Warsaw but ends up back in his own village.

The stories told have a timeless quality and the overall listening experience is indescribeable. It is only topped by Golem's live show, which has included wedding themed concerts, and to celebrate this record, they had a concert on a boat that sailed around NYC.

Check out their website at: www.golemrocks.com

Gecko Turner: Guapapasea!

This album has been out since early this year, so many of you may already know of it, BUT if you have not heard of Gecko Turner, check it out.

'Guapapasea' is a smooth sounding record blending Afro-Cuban percussion, Samba & Flamenco guitars, reggae and even some hip hop elements. Do not expect to be blown away: Turner never comes right out and sings, but kind of speaks in a melodic half-whisper akin to Lou Reed. In fact the title of the album can be translated as "Beauty Walking" and it never really breaks out beyond the rhythm of a casual stroll.

I listen to this album to and from the beach, as I think it is the perfect soundtrack to days filled with surfing and relaxing on the sand. My favorite tracks are "Subterranean Homesick Blues," a Bob Dylan cover that Turner completely reconfigures by singing it in Spanish with a Samba groove, "Te Estas Equivocando," which is a playful, reggae-tinged gem, and "Rainbow Country," the Bob Marley classic performed fairly true to the original with a bit of Flamenco strumming thrown in for fun.

The album is overall a chilled-out, casual mix of songs. When you listen through it almost feels like a bunch of talented friends got together one afternoon and recorded some impromptu jams. This loose feel to the record might get annoying to some who refuse to sit back and let the music soak in, but I think most listeners will be hypnotized by Turner's grooves after 5 songs or so.

Check out Turner's web site at: www.geckoturner.com

In the Begining: The Who, What, Where, When & Why of Music Worth Hearing

WHY? & WHAT?

We are starting this blog with the hope that we will be able to bring some attention to music that we think should be listened to. We intend to spark some friendly discussion of bands, concerts, instruments, songs, genres of music--anything musical is fair game here. We love music, and want to share that with our readers. This blog does not intend to search out unknown bands and pedantically preach about how the rest of the world should listen to them instead of Justin Timberlake (currently #1 on the Billboard Hot 100), although occasionally we may run across an indie group that we recommend. And ACTUALLY, we may even recommend a Justin Timberlake tune once in a while. Beethoven once said, "Music should strike fire from the heart of man, and bring tears from the eyes of woman." We at Music Worth Hearing (MWH) believe that all musical genres have the potential to move us and our readers will therefore find us discussing all kinds of artists.

The bottom line is that while some people get excited about collecting stamps, and others play sports religiously, our love is music, and we wish to share it with you.

Hopefully we will touch on a subject that interests you, and we are always willing to learn from our readers, as there is a lot of music to listen to out there.

WHEN?

We're going to try to post as much as possible. What does that mean? Let's say at least once a week from both of us, and hopefully more. However, please remember that drafting articles of a decent quality can take time . . . and we like to put some serious thought into what we say.

WHO?

We are first and foremost music lovers.

We are also students, & musicians. If you're really interested in more about us check out our profiles.

WHERE?

On the world wide web, of course!