Category Archives: Music Maniac

FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE-LUNGS

NOW(2009)

This CD won a very prestigious award in London for best new artist. I completely understand why. If you have been reading MUSIC MANIAC for sometime you know I write a lot about music. This type of CD does not come around often. I’m obsessed with Florence. Her passion, voice and song writing is so unique and powerful! Every song has alittle bit of a different beat and attitude but it all screams Florence and the Machine. The title “Lungs” tells it all. It all comes from so deep inside that the lungs need to let it out and boy does she. This is a must…everyone I recommended this to has thanked me and is now in the Flo club.

SINEAD O’ CONNOR-THE LION AND THE COBRA

THEN(1987)

This debut CD from Sinead was so powerful and strong! We never heard a voice so passionate and beautiful at the same time. She was so interesting and unique. I thought that the Florence and the Machine CD mentioned above reminded me of this CD from the past. Mostly for the beauty and strength that both represent. They go together. Sinead uses her “lungs” to their capacity to sings songs such as Jackie, Troy, and Jerusalem. Check it out. This is one of the best debuts from one of the most gorgeous voices in rock music.

Tracey Thorn “Love and its Opposite”

NOW (2010)

Divorce, Hormones, Singles Bars, This should get you interested already. Tracey’s warm and wonderful voice is showcased here in her new stripped down masterpiece. Mostly piano, cello and other instruments gives her voice a outstanding vocal performance. We all know her from “Everything but the Girl”. Well it is time to get to know the new Everybody Girl. Relax and enjoy Tracey’s new mature and personal world.

Susanna Hoffs- When Your a Boy

THEN (1991)

Another side project that is deep and personal. This time from the lead vocalist from The Bangles. I have always felt that Susanna has a warm and amazing voice. I think her vocal style was under-rated! This CD which I dug out from my collection is a great classic to go back to. The songs are all written with heart and realism.

While I was riding a bus down to the lower east side for brunch, my iPpod was playing this certain song from 1971. I thought to myself…hey I would love to here the cast of GLEE sing this song…And it goes something like this:

DAY BY DAY- Godspell soundtrack
BAD GIRLS- Donna Summer
TIME (Clock of the Heart)-Culture Club
MAGIC MAN-Heart (Lea Michelle would kick a$$ on this song)
NOTHING COMPARES 2 U- Sinead O’ Connor

Hey readers any suggestions for glee… comment !!

NOW

One Life Stand: Hot Chip (2010)

I have been following this band from the U.K. for a few years now. They have remixed many of my favorite bands as well. Every group has their “breakout” masterpiece. One Life Stand will get every part of your body moving. Hot Chip will get you to move in a more electronic version of the Talking Heads well known sound. I will be seeing this band this summer outside in Central Park. Can’t wait to move my groove. Caution: PLAY LOUD

THEN

TALKING HEADS: Remain in Light ( 1980 )

When this album came out I didn’t know how to move to this new sound. All I knew was it made me groove in a new way. A little  funk, tribal, electronic, and the new shaky voice of David Bryne. This CD is worth revisiting. It was new kind of dance music. It ain’t no disco…just play it loud and you will get it! All the way through your bones.

I had a dream…. Lady gaga would sing cover versions and the list would go like this:

Lady Stardust- David Bowie
Tiny Dancer- Elton John
Nightclubbing – Grace Jones
My Lady Story- Antony and the Johnsons
Hero Worship- The B-52’s
Lady Madonna- The Beatles
Somebody To Love- Jefferson Airplane
Wuthering Heights- Kate Bush
Dress You Up- Madonna

And of course:
Radio Gaga- Queen

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart-NOW

The raw cover of this CD reminds me of my collage days and all the great music coming out of the U.K. Imports, singles, extended plays, and small rock buttons on my lapels. I feel young again listening to this post punk music today. This group is not a “copycat”. They do have a new twist! They combine not only jangle guitars but some fuzz and also some great voices. This is truly a 80’s mash-up  that bakes into a new fresh sound.

The Smiths-The Smiths- THEN

This CD is one that must be revisited . The start of Morrissey, the start of a sound that went on to influence thousands of bands around the world. The first time I heard this album, I was hooked. It was so unique and different. The vocal sound and lyrics by The Smiths will live on forever. Go back and enjoy.

Wah….Wah, wah, wah wah, waaah. Show me the way back to this classic CD. Download the album or just your favorite cuts. This “double” album came on the scene in the 70’s. His sound was so different for the time. The girls went crazy, and boy could he play guitar. You will feel good. Get into the groove.