5 Artists You Should Know: December
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A post by "AroundtheWorldJoe " To see more posts click here |
Hello again it looks like I might become a regular on “5 artist you should know about” in the near/current future. For the month of December I have a variety of bands from all over the world with a range of sounds for you. Allow me to introduce December’s 5 bands you should know about. The Swell Season hailing from, Ireland, The Bad Plus calling the U.S their home, Rodrigo y Gabriela from Mexico, The Gotan Project from France, and The Blind Boys of Alabama from the U.S. So lets get our world on. If you start listening to these five bands I guarantee you will: lose weight, have a higher self-esteem, make more money, and find love. Hold me to that.
The Swell Season
The Swell Season is primarily made up of Glen Hansard of Ireland and Markéta Irglová of the Czech Republic. The Swell Season released their first, self-titled album in 2006. Traversing vocals floating in a calm of piano and acoustic guitars. The Swell Season tells their story with emotion. Their latest album “Strict Joy” has such a rich variety of range it’s no wonder why it was nominated as one of the best albums for 2009 by NPR’s “All Songs Considered.” To follow up on “The Swell Season” go find the movie “Once” (2006) by John Carney. It is “[a] modern day musical set on the streets of Dublin. The film tells the story of a street musician and a Czech immigrant during an eventful week as they write, rehearse and record songs that reveal their unique love story.” (www.foxsearchlight.com/once)
Low Rising
The Bad Plus
The Bad Plus is the reason that I listen to Jazz, they were my window into the past and present of the genre. The Bad Plus trio is composed of pianist Ethan Iverson, bassist Reid Anderson and drummer Dave King. Originally prized from Minneapolis, Minnesota, “The Bad Plus” can now be seen all over the world. The band plays a deconstructed form of avant-garde jazz. One of my favorite aspects of the band’s music is their playfulness. They have no fear of experimentation, and do jazz covers of artists such as Nirvana, Interpool (previously featured on udothedishes), David Bowie, and Black Sabbath. But the bad plus is no joke, they released their major record debut without over dubbing any of the tracks.
Flim
The Gotan Project
Rarely do I ever say anything nice about the French, but The Gotan Project is one of my favorite things to come out of France since wine. The name is a play on the word “Tango”, by taking the last syllable and placing it at the front to form the word “Gotan.” Based in Paris you can truly hear the city coming forth in the music. The band is comprised of Philippe Cohen Solal, Eduardo Makaroff, and Christoph H. Müller. Together since 2000, The Gotan Project creates quality music that mixes electronic samples and tango passion. Categorized as electronic, I usually listen to The Gotan Project when trying to focus and relax.
Lunatico
Rodrigo y Gabriela
When I was introduced to Rodrigo y Gabriela on a car ride home, I was completely blown away by the elaborate sounds that two musicians with two acoustic guitars can make. The duo: Rodrigo Sánchez and Gabriela Quintero met in Mexico City while playing in a Thrash Metal band. Their “self titled” album released in 2006 is a fury of finger picking and Latin rhythms.
Tamacun Rodrigo y Gabriela
The Blind Boys of Alabama
The Blind Boys of Alabama are and have been a staple of music history since they met in the “Talladega Institute for the blind” in 1939. The four-time Grammy-winning gospel group sings soul music in four-part harmony. The Blind Boys have covered so many classics such as Amazing Grace, Way Down in the Hole, and People Get Ready with so much power and emotion it’s almost like the song is part of them. Their success has led them to collaborations with other talented musicians such as: Ben Harper, Tom Petty, Prince and Peter Gabriel. They recently released a new album called “Down in New Orleans” and you can see them in your neck of the woods on January 8th 2010 at the Warner Theater.
Amazing Grace
I would like to thank my younger sister Elizabeth she edits and reads for content on almost everything I write. She makes me look like less of an idiot, and for that I am truly grateful. Don’t forget to get your ’09 Christmas mix from suckapants.com today and enjoy. Also as a side note, the top 50 best albums of 2009 are out at: npr.org/allsongs considered. udothedishes . . .
I’ve been listening to the Gotan Project for a while. They are really good…like most French music
)
Thanks Dame Judy,
What are some other French bands you are listening to?
I ADORE Edith Piaf, but that’s Chanson that was popular in the 30’s-60’s. Justice, Daft Punk and BB Brunes are also great.
I loved ‘Once’ too. A friend lent me the DVD saying I have to watch it because it’s about a street performer (and I am one, too). The scene where the busker runs after a guy who stole money from his bag rang very true – I had that happen to me, too, and it ended the same way as in the movie. From there on the movie kept growing on me as it went on.
All the best,
Saw Lady
http://www.SawLady.com/blog
Saw Lady,
Once did a really nice job with dividing the focus between the movie and still keeping emphasis on the music. Where do you spend most of your time when play in New York?
Rodrigo y Gabriela just blew my mind. That is by far my most favorite style of guitar music. The Flamenco style is out of this world. Thank you for opening my world.
Cheers.
Jmal,
Yeah Rodrigo y Gabriela are fantastic. I’m glad you like them, and that I could help out.
Um Joe thanks for not giving me the shout out I deserve for introducing you to Rodrigo y Grabriela
am i the only one that finds it comical that NPR has a list of best albums? i know that it is selected by the listeners, but NPR listeners are one of the last groups of people i’d take music recommendations from. nice, informative post (though it would be nice to see some hip hop groups included every so often)
@Linde – Good memory, yes you did thanks.
@Stacks – Thanks for the comments, I’m not real strong in the hip-hop department but am always looking to find good music that is new to me. I will start injecting some hip-hop artists into my posts.
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