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Matt Nathanson
“Bulletproof Weeks”

Matt finally gets posted here with this amazing guitar/piano/vocal combo. This is no cheap radio song, but I’m sure I’ll be singing it (or at least humming). It’s a great, wonderful song about fixating on the wonderful times summer gave us, only to realize they’re now gone, and being sadly nostalgic.

Ahh, summer love. :) Enjoy, and thank Matt Nathanson by buying his new CD.

Sara Bareilles
“Gravity”

I’ve had this song on standby since before I left for my Jamaica Vacation in early September.
I just never got around to posting it — sorry.

Sarah reminds me of Sarah McLachlan a bit. I hope you like it.

I’ve been busy lately. I’m in the process of buying my first house. This website might be quiet for a couple weeks more.

Billy Joel
“And So it Goes”

Billy Joel holds a special place in my heart. I’ve listened to his music with great fondness since I was a young child. For some reason, listening to him reminds me of my dad. It probably had a lot to do with the fact that dad and I (and my brother) often took long weekend trips in a car to see his mom (my grandmother). On the way, we would regularly hear a Billy Joel song. Dad’s favorite (if memory serves) was “piano man”.

Aside from the fond memories, Billy Joel is an amazing pianist and singer/songwriter. This song is so honest and so powerful.

The closing phrases…hit so hard…

so I would choose to be with you
That’s if the choice were mine to make.
but you can make decisions too
and you can have this heart to break.

And so it goes, and so it goes…
and you’re the only one who knows.

Honorable mention: If you dig choral groups, You’ve got to hear the King’s Singers version of this song. It’s pretty amazing.

Griffin House
“Only Love Remains”

There’s something very powerful and reminiscent in this song for me. Years ago in college when I was a music major, I’d go to the concert hall and lock myself away in one of the small and intimate piano auditoriums. I would turn out all the lights and just play the piano. No words. No light. Only music. I will forever remember how the echoing chords touched me in a very literal sense. The notes would hang in the air forever as if they didn’t want to leave that dark room. The beginning of this song reminds me of what I used to play in that dark room. I hope you let the first few chords seep into you.

Just when I thought this song couldn’t get any better, the harmonica rings out. It’s brilliant.

On a side note, I thought the production of this song was interesting – especially the ending. He sings an octave above and at a much louder dynamic (as you should be able to tell in his vocal inflections), but he’s standing further away from the microphone, and it is almost like he’s singing in a room too small for his voice.

By the way, this version of the song isn’t the same one as on the CD attached to this post. I honestly can’t tell you where to get this copy. (other than here)

I hope you enjoy.

All my things, melt away.
Only love… love remains.

Fisher
“I will Love You”

Today I got a very nice email from a Kayla W. inspiring me to post music again. I’m truly sorry that I have neglected everyone and haven’t been posting with very much frequency lately. I’ll try to do better! I have been listening to a lot of music and feel the urge to post new music coming back.

So today I give you an old one. You’ve probably heard of this song, but if you haven’t you’re in for a real treat.

… And thank you for the kind words Kayla.

Brendan James
“Green”

This one’s just a teaser. Sorry folks. If I can find a complete acoustic copy of Brendan performing this song, I would love to post it (brendan, if you’re reading this, send me a message!)

This guy is a modern day James Taylor. Listen to the enunciation in his voice when he sings – remind you? Brendan is a great singer/songwriter. He apparently didn’t start really getting into writing music until his sophomore year in college. College has a way of bringing things like that out of you I suppose.

Anyway, if you like this little bit, go buy his album or download it for $8 at amazon.com. The CD was released just 8 days ago. We’ve got to support more singer/songwriters!

If you must have more immediately, he’s on YouTube, MySpace, and Facebook

Rosie Thomas
“Farewell”

I listened to this song for the first time today and loved it. It’s so muted and minimal, but still so emotive.
There aren’t huge rises or falls, just a simple, honest musical expression.

Enjoy.

Adele
“Hometown Glory”

Adele. Oh how I love your voice.

The beauty found in this song is complimented by voice. Her pitch and dynamic control is amazing. Hear for yourself in this song (below). The piano arrangement reminds me of a couple of songs already posted on this website. Namely “Everyday” by Carly Comando, and “The art teacher” by Rufus Wainwright.

You should buy this CD, if not for this song, for her rendition of “to make you feel my love” that she performs so flawlessly and brilliantly.

Ed Harcourt
“Whistle of a distant train”

Perfect music for Sunday (or any day, really), but it seems especially appropriate for a rainy day like today.
Ed Harcourt reminds me of Jeff Buckley in this song for some reason. It probably has something to do with his emotional/uneasy vibrato. It’s also what I love about the song.

There’s real passion in this number.

Hurts to Purr
“Matinee”

A kind of reset. I’ve tried to resume uploading music to the blog, and have had a few failed restarts. I’m making no promises going forward, but I’m trying.

“It’s a perfect day for a Matinee….”

This is a beautiful tune. I’m a sucker for the warm tones of a lone piano. Nothing is too overdone in this song, and it just hit me right. I hope you enjoy.