Niedziela 13 Lis 2011, 6:22
I was in a record shop the other day and was taken back by the music the employee was listening to. If you had seen the guy, this was definitely not the type of guy you'd expect to be chilling and relaxing to some Alicia Keys.
But isn't that the great thing about music? Sometimes you think you can look at a person and just imagine what they listen to, which a lot of times you can be correct, but at the same time, they can have a whole other side to their musical tastes?
I have a roommate who looks like he should be in a death-metal band, but this guy flipped the radio over and stopped on Marc Cohn's "Walking in Memphis" and he even woke up singing The Cardigans' "Lovefool" one morning. I love how music fits our mood and personality.
So since hearing that music the other day, I thought I'd give you five tracks I love to listen to when I'm in a bit of a soulful mood.
"If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys
Honestly, I know I have heard this song in the past but this is the track that was playing the other day while I was in the record store and I have fallen for it since. I have never really got into Alicia Keys and honestly, I got sick of hearing 'Fallin' all the time on the radio and everywhere else, but I'll be damned if she doesn;t bring it on this track. Just amazing, simply put.
"Kissing You" by Des'ree
Ever since seeing that first scene in which Romeo and Juliet see each other in the modernized version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, directed by Baz Luhrmann, I have loved this song. Most people just remember her for her song 'You Gotta Be' which is a classic 90's track, but her talent shines here. I hear this song, and I melt. It's quite a shame she didn't make a bigger name for herself, since she does have an amazing voice.
"Romance in the Dark" by Cyndi Lauper
Let me just start off by saying, I am a HUGE Lauper nerd. I know just about every song of hers and know way more than any other guy my young age should know about her, but I wouldn't have it any other way. She is my favorite female artist of all-time and will always be. The woman can do any style of music she wants and has proved it, 'time after time' again. (thank you.) This track is from her latest album "Memphis Blues". My mom is a huge Lauper fan but has been disappointed by recent ventures she has went into with her classic and blues album, although she did like the dance album. I, however, have not been disappointed. This track is just a wonderful, bluesy soulful track, which is probably the most mellow from the album.
"These Are The Days" by Van Morrison
My grandma actually really got me into this song. She first heard in in the movie 'Nine Months' and went on a desperate search to find this song on record. Once I found it for her, I too, fell for the song. I've never been a big Van Morrison fan either. He's incredibly talented, but not really my style, although I will say the album this track is from, Avalon Sunset, is quite decent. I think what makes this quite nice is the great vocals and all the different instruments you can spot playing throughout the track.
I'll admit, I really don't know much Azure Ray out side of this track, but I am working on it. I just picked up an album of theirs at my favorite record shop the other day, and so far, so good. But this song…. where do I even begin? It's so hauntingly beautiful. I heard it in this nice little indie movie, go figure, called "Winter Passing". This song was in a scene in which Zooey Deschanel is headed home to see her estranged father. Honestly, I think this song set the tone for the rest of the entire movie. Seriously. I think the whole reason the movie sucked me in was this song. It was so well placed and matched its' emotion. It's a great movie, but without this song, it just wouldn't have been quite as good. I look forward to hearing more of their stuff, especially since they're from Omaha, like I am. :)
So there you have it. Feel free to find these songs if you haven't heard them, I highly recommend that you do. Feel free to comment you thoughts or feelings as well, I love to hear ideas shared!
- Derek