Disorder

Monty Alexander’s album, Wareika Hill. 

“[...]the Kingston, Jamaica born-and-raised jazz pianist has married the two sides of his musical soul on his latest album Wareika Hill, a reimagining of Thelonious Monk tunes through the lens of the music we most associate with Jamaica: Reggae. The result is a sound Alexander has dubbed “Rastamonk Vibrations.” It swings, it grooves, and it may leave you searching for late-night snacks.“ wrti.org

Coffee Break - Zeds Dead

You may be familiar with this 2016 David Guetta tune, but did you know where it comes from? Do you ever stop to think that these pop hits we listen to everywhere might just be recycled and remade songs? 

Personally, I don’t have anything wrong with it. I love discovering old original songs that modern pop artists have sampled (or even copied) and seeing how similar yet different they are. What has the artist done to “modernize” it or “make it new” again? 

I’ve been posting on this blog for a few years now because I had to have a notebook for some of the musical connections I make. Here’s the one I discovered today: Would I Lie to You by Charles & Eddie from 1992. 

This song was written by Mike Leeson and Peter Vale and produced by Josh Deutsch. It was their debut single and proved to be their biggest hit with huge international success: it reached number one on the UK Singles Chart for two weeks in November 1992 and was also number one in New Zealand, Germany, Austria, and Zimbabwe. The songwriters also received the 1992 Ivor Novello award. 

Fancy - Bobbie Gentry

Steppenwolf - “America” (or “Monster” or “Suicide”)

I was listening to the radio on Election Day and they asked people to call in with songs that reflected this election for them. One guy called in and named this song and I find it pretty appropriate. 

Once the religious, the hunted and weary Chasing the promise of freedom and hope Came to this country to build a new vision Far from the reaches of kingdom and pope Like good Christians, some would burn the witches Later some got slaves to gather riches

But still from near and far to seek America They came by thousands to court the wild And she just patiently smiled and bore a child To be their spirit and guiding light

And once the ties with the crown had been broken Westward in saddle and wagon it went And 'til the railroad linked ocean to ocean Many the lives which had come to an end While we bullied, stole and bought our a homeland We began the slaughter of the red man

But still from near and far to seek America They came by thousands to court the wild And she just patiently smiled and bore a child To be their spirit and guiding light

The blue and grey they stomped it They kicked it just like a dog And when the war over They stuffed it just like a hog

And though the past has it's share of injustice Kind was the spirit in many a way But it's protectors and friends have been sleeping Now it's a monster and will not obey

(Suicide) The spirit was freedom and justice And it's keepers seem generous and kind It's leaders were supposed to serve the country But now they won't pay it no mind 'Cause the people grew fat and got lazy And now their vote is a meaningless joke They babble about law and order But it's all just an echo of what they've been told Yeah, there's a monster on the loose It's got our heads into a noose And it just sits there watchin'

Our cities have turned into jungles And corruption is stranglin' the land The police force is watching the people And the people just can't understand We don't know how to mind our own business 'Cause the whole worlds got to be just like us Now we are fighting a war over there No matter who's the winner We can't pay the cost 'Cause there's a monster on the loose It's got our heads into a noose And it just sits there watching

(America) America where are you now? Don't you care about your sons and daughters? Don't you know we need you now We can't fight alone against the monster

Silience feat. Cubworld - I Found Love