Holy Holy Hozier

16 Jun

Hozier

 

When I first heard Hozier’s dark croon masterfully guide the lyric of his subtle condemnation “Take Me to Church,” I listened in silent awe and quickly lapped up his EP. That was month’s ago, and since then Hozier has taken the alt/rock world by storm by way of YouTube, Reddit, and the eager ears of many active listeners. He has also released a new EP, From Eden. I am not that different from the rest of the millions of ears that have allowed Hozier’s voice to soothe them; his vocal has become unmistakable and one listen can easily ensnare any music lover.

What is it about the 24-year-old Irish musician that is so enticing? Is it his aforementioned voice, which blends the passion of Dan Auerbach and command of Bhi Bhiman? Is it his instrumental diversity, wet and heavy with foreboding percussion mixed with lightly plucked guitar accompanying consequent softness? Clearly both of these elements play to Hozier’s draw, and it is an absolute pleasure to write about such a skilled musician.

Hozier is a true musician. He has consistently been involved in groups, including Anuna, an Irish choral group, which he sang in for three years. Now, he has shifted his focus to unique rock music, and the music scene is the better for it. Hozier’s seminal piece “Take Me to Church” is not only a commentary on religion but also an oddly spiritual experience; the vocal and voluminous melody transport the listener to a melodious shrine. It is difficult not to listen to this song on repeat.

“Like Real People Do,” which also appears on Hozier’s debut EP (Take Me to Church) is a completely different tune. While “Take Me to Church” is a dark, rhythmic piece, “Like Real People Do” is more Iron & Wine than Airborne Toxic Event. The song is subdued and, dare I say, pretty. The guitar is picked with Hozier’s voice, and the song is fluent.

I suggest checking out more of Hozier’s music on his website. You can also check out his Facebook and Twitter.

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Dog Songs – Vote for Your Favorite!

3 Jun

Tully

 

This is Tully. Say hi to the Music Court community, Tully. As I type this, Tully is nestled into a ball with his head on a soft, green pillow. He is adorable. The picture is worth more than my words.

As you might have deciphered from the opening to this post, I adopted a dog! Thus, I have been solely in a dog mood over the past few days. Musicians are often in dog moods. Whether it are songs about dogs or song titles/ideas that use “dog” in popular sayings or with different connotations, dogs often find their way into popular songs of all genres. Off the top of your head I’m sure you are already thinking of 1-2 songs you know that have the word dog in the title.

In line with my puppy mood, I bring you the first Music Court poll in months. There are a plethora of dog songs in the vast musical catalogue of life; what song is the best? First, let’s fetch some songs.

 

1. “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley

This is the version most are familiar with, and it is hard to argue that it is not the best recording of this Lieber and Stoller classic. Originally recorded in 1952 by “Big Mama” Thornton, “Hound Dog” has transcended decades and has garnered a long list of cover versions (included Elvis’ 1956 cover) and popular media references. Contrary to the lyrics though, I will certainly feed Tully!

 

2. (How Much Is) That Doggie In The Window by Patti Page

I had to. Tell me you don’t think of this song when you walk by the window of a pet store! Written by Bob Merrill (also wrote “Mambo Italiano”), the song was most famously recorded by Patti Page, and I first heard it through Kidsongs (my pre-kinder source for all music).

 

3. “I Love My Dog” by Cat Stevens

Because the song includes lyrics like the following:

“I love my dog
As much as I love you
But you may fade
My dog will always come through”  (Note: I love Tully and my fiancé very much)

4. “I Wanna Be Your Dog” by The Stooges

Oh, Iggy and your Stooges. Recorded in 1969, “I Wanna Be Your Dog” is a quintessential example of the budding hard rock/punk movement that would sweep the music world for the next two decades (and beyond that if you count the 90s, 00s, and 10s). The song was produced by John Cale of Velvet Underground fame. The Velvet Underground is often cited as the grandfather of punk. No coincidence there folks.

 

5. “Black Dog” by Led Zeppelin 

Classic Zeppelin riff over lyrics inspired by a sexually promiscuous retriever that would amble around the recording studio. It also has the mark of a Zeppelin song that was not stolen. Haha. I kid. I kid. It’s a killer riff.

 

6. “Dog Days are Over” by Florence and the Machine 

Florence Welch, otherwise known as the goddess (according to my sister), took a commanding hold of the Indie/Art/Pop genre with the release of her first two albums (Lungs and Ceremonials). “Dog Days are Over” is featured on Lungs, which is a tremendous first release.

 

7. “Martha My Dear” by The Beatles

Wild Card! This jaunty Beatles tune was written by Paul McCartney and most likely inspired by his sheepdog (named Martha), although it was probably about an old love interest. It, like all Beatles songs, is excellent.

 

 

There you have it. What is the best bark – I mean, song! Vote below.

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The Duke of Norfolk is Flying South

27 May

The Duke of Norfolk

Adam Thomas Howard is the Duke of Norfolk; well, at least that is what his moniker suggests. Although one of the main reasons behind the name was to distinguish himself from the many other Adam Howards in the world, the name, which he has carried since the summer of 2010, is indicative of a sprawling sound that features the authority and flair of British royalty. Some might take a quick listen to Howard’s crunchy acoustic guitar and his distinct southern drawl and consider his title somewhat ironic, but his full sound suggests otherwise. The name catches your attention and Howard’s distinct folk rhythms pull you in.

The Duke of Norfolk is no stranger to album releases and live shows. He released his debut under Adam Howard – Shadows and Shapes – in 2009, and since then has released several EPs and his debut full-length in February of this year under The Duke of Norfolk. Today I have for you a track off of the new album called “The South.”

From the outset the sound is engaging. The soft acoustic lay comfortably over drawn-out strings – much like John Cale’s stylings with the Velvet Underground. The music is uplifting and varied. The strumming is distinctive, and it matches the Duke of Norfolk’s eclectic Conor Oberst-like vocal. The song moves with a fantastic energy and the delightful strings and concluding vocal harmony bring it home to its country/folk roots. Add the Duke of Norfolk to a short list of excellent modern folk musicians.

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The Recovery Blues – Dave Powell and the Lonely Gales

18 May

Dave Powell and the Lonely Gales

I am typing this with one hand. That is the major reason why I have not posted in a week. Shoulder surgery has left my left arm unavailable for use. One-handed typing is cumbersome! That being said, I plan on trying to post as often as I am able despite this temporary disability. For now, I am encountering the recovery blues.

Dave Powell, a wayworn blues musician from the swamplands for Louisiana, is part of the true blues movement among young musicians, and his most recent EP Recovery Blues is a 5-track EP that “catalogues his descent into substance abuse and depression, and the ragged road he trudged back home to health and happiness.” (http://noisetrade.com/davepowell). 

I apologize for the blurriness of the video, but just listen to this fast-paced blues ditty. Powell features a rich vocal that is time-tested, gritty, and passionate. The guitars have a voice of their own and complement Powell’s croon effectively. The swinging rhythm is toe-tapping goodness. A great song and EP to listen to when you are stuck on the couch longing to move!

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The International Saints of Valory

5 May

The Saints of Valory

 

Saints of Valory traverse a wide range of international influences and this is quite apt because the band’s music has rapidly disseminated to an eager international audience that has been consuming its upbeat alternative rock since the release  of its incipient EP The Bright Lights in November 2010. Formed in Brazil in 2008, Saints of Valory is the product of a childhood friendship between Gavin Jasper (lead vocals/bass) and Godfrey Thomson (guitar/vocals), who pair awesome names with serious musical talent. Gerard Labou, a French drummer, was brought in by Thomson, and, craving a space to rehearse, the band of three contacted a well-travelled friend named Stephen Buckle, the band’s current keyboardist/vocalist, who had a small studio in his home in Texas, and relocated the operation to the Lone Star state. 

After the release of its second EP in 2012, the band was recognized by Billboard as one of the Top Unsigned Artists in 2012, and it was quickly snatched up by Atlantic Records, where it released its label debut, Possibilities, last summer. The music has spread like wildfire. As I write this post, the band is currently touring the U.S. with Eric Hutchinson (coming to NY on May 19 at Irving Plaza), and it should come to no surprise that it is gaining new fans everywhere it goes. Good music is good music, and people recognize it quickly. Saints of Valory plays excellent tunes, and if you don’t believe me click play on the embedded videos below.

“Kids” begins with a drowned guitar and heavy percussion that saturate the listener in a full array of sound immediately. The vocal carries over the instrumental effortlessly. It is strong and matches the instrumental like macaroni goes with cheese. A full-bodied harmony introduces a neat riff. The rhythm calls out to bands like Airborne Toxic Event and Imagine Dragons. Saints of Valory’s harmony, though, is unique. It is almost choral – kind of like Bastille but less chanty – and it just bursts into a killer sing-along style that the listener cannot help but get into.

“Long Time Coming” has a cool, American Authors feel. The rhythm is infectious. This is perhaps the strongest component of Saints of Valory’s music – the rhythm. It’s toe-tapping, head-nodding, get on your feet and join the chorus, type of music. It is no surprise that the band has garnered a large collection of diverse music fans. The music is fun, exciting, and effervescent. It is just excellent alternative rock, and I cannot wait to witness the successful progression and growth of this band. You can track it to by visiting the band’s pages.

Website – Facebook – Twitter

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