New Orleans

Expect my next few posts to be New Orleans related as I have recently attained a newfound respect, curiosity and appreciation for the music and culture of New Orleans (Thanks in full to David Simon's new HBO series "Treme"). This video encompasses all that it is to be a musician from New Orleans. Dr. John, The Meters, and Professor Longhair playing Earl King's composition and a universally recognized anthem of New Orleans, "Big Chief".

I need a translator

I thought long and hard before posting this about whether or not there exists any Beatles' covers that surpass the original. This is the only one that came to mind. If you can think of any others please comment and let me know. Joe Cocker is one of my top four white/male singers along with Robert Plant, Jeff Buckley and Freddy Mercury. It sounds like he just ate a carton of cigarettes but it works magnificently. Enjoy.

Joe Cocker (Live Woodstock 1969) from David Lee on Vimeo.

Bessie Smith

Allow me now to share with you the motivation behind my love affair with Norah Jones. It wasn't until hearing her play one of my favourite Band songs, "Bessie Smith" that I decided it was time for me and Norah to become more...intimate. After that I dug a little deeper and began to understand what all the hype was about. Is there anything more attractive than a girl who sings, plays keys and covers The Band??? If you're not already a fan, hopefully hearing this will have the same effect on you as it did on me.
I also decided to throw in Ray Lamontagne's cover of 'Bessie Smith' for your listening pleasure. Any Ray fans? That unmistakable voice is a mandatory addition to LoveofMuzik. As a friend of mine put it earlier today, "it's like he's whispering REALLY loudly".

Note: If you're a Norah Jones fan or simply enjoy listening to good music, check out her side project "The Little Willies"...a little southern hospitality for ya.

Throwback of the Day

This track did a number on me when I first heard it in my friend Jessy's car late one night after a jam. Up until that point I'd been falsely labeling myself an MJ fan on the basis of knowing songs like "The Girl is Mine" and "Remember the Time". But no one could have prepared me for what Mike was doing from '78-'82. Most notably "Off the Wall" and "Thriller", both co-produced by Quincy Jones. Long story short, this song served as the catalyst for my current, unyielding MJ phase. It's been playing every morning for the past two weeks. A fact which has generated some curious looks of intrigue while waiting for the bus.
Humour me and see if you can listen to this song with the volume maxed out and NOT move any part of your body. You can't do it can you.

Note: Stop whatever you are doing and immediately purchase both "Off The Wall" (1979) and "Thriller"(1982). Mike was a game changer in the truest sense of the word. You'd be hard pressed to find music that stretches over the world like his does.