Simon Webbe isn’t your typical singer-songwriter. I mean he sings and he songwrites, but he’s more than that. He’s what you’d get if you mixed Seal with Usher and a super-fly DJ that plays acoustic guitar but is also a part-time break-dancer and friends with Timbaland. You see what I’m saying?
This UK native first graced the music scene in 2005 with his debut album, Sanctuary. Overall, the album is definitely different, but good different. Like putting flavored creamer in your coffee or switching to Geico. To be honest, the first single from this album, “Lay Your Hands”, is really what put me on to Simon Webbe. The mix of acoustic guitar, R & B flavor and sample tracks give it a sound that pulls on many musical genres, uniquely defining the music that is Simon Webbe.
Lay Your Hands
But that’s just the icing on the cake. Or the cake without the icing. Or the sugar that hasn’t gone in the cake yet. Either way it’s delicious.
After the success of Sanctuary came the sophomore album, Grace. This is the album that I seriously can not get enough of. One listen to the first single, “Coming Around Again”, and you’ll be hooked. One thing I really dig about Simon Webbe is the overall positive feeling he generates through his music. He chooses not to take liberties with explicit content which, nowadays, is hard to come by with hip-hop and R & B music. Check out “Coming Around Again” below. There’s really no video, but you can listen to the song and that’s all that really matter in the end. But seriously, check out the full video here.
So if you don’t want to listen to a mix of Seal with Usher and a super-fly DJ that plays acoustic guitar but is also a part-time break-dancer and friends with Timbaland, then I don’t know what to tell you. Except that you’re missing out.
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Like Simon Webbe? Check out DJ Format!
After listening to one minute of Andrew Ripp, I immediately bought several copies of his album, “Fifty Miles to Chicago”. I considered that the purchase of these albums in hard economic times was an investment in great music. I only wish I was as wise before my investment in a case of Snuggie’s. How was I to know that my family would not appreciate body-length blankets with sleeves made of synthetic fleece? I hate infomercials for taking advantage of me. Anywho…it was Andrew’s recent opening slot on tour with Dave Barnes that brought him into my music collection. My family has certainly enjoyed this replacement gift.
Andrew’s music is a perfect choice for your upcoming summer road trip. As the miles pass along you will find that tracks like “Get Your Smile On”, “The Privileged Life” and “You Got My Number” will have you grinning at your fingers as they dance on the steering wheel. Be prepared to slow things down a little because this Chicago native also has a vulnerable side as well. Soulful songs like “Dresden Wine”, “On My Way” and “Tim’s Song” will get you reflecting on love and life.
Andrew Ripp is the real deal. One listen and I guarantee you’ll be hooked. Oh, and don’t miss the solo at the end of “The Privileged Life”. Andrew rocks a kazoo. Let’s just say that I finally would be able to join an artist on stage if called upon because I too can rock the hell out of a kazoo. Life is good.
Make sure you experience the softer side of Andrew with his studio video version of the hauntingly beautiful piano-driven ”Dresden Wine”.
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Like Andrew Ripp? Check out Matt Nathanson!
Charice – “Note to God”
Charice is 17 years old. In the fall of 2009 she will be releasing her debut album on Warner Bros. Records. She just made an appearance on Oprah. You wanna know what I was doing at age 17? I was learning not to turn my laundry pink. That was my big breakthrough moment. Charice writes letters to God. I sent God a Tweet. Now it is just a waiting game to see who hears back first.
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Playing for Change – “Stand By Me”
I caught wind of the documentary “Playing For Change: Peace Through Music” back in December and the music and the message has stuck with me ever since. The documentary and the music are getting a lot of attention and rightfully so. Looking to do good today? Buy this song and learn more about the organization and support this amazing endeavor. http://www.playingforchange.com
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The Fratellis – “Chelsea Dagger”
When the National Hockey League started this past year the Chicago Blackhawks chose “Chelsea Dagger” to play every time they scored a goal. Thankfully I have heard this song played a lot this season. I fully expect to hear it even more in the upcoming weeks. Feel free to hum along with the chorus. I certainly do and I know it does not annoy anyone around me. I am sure of it.
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If you’re not familiar with Matt Nathanson yet, it’s time to join the club. Well, there’s not really a specific “club” that I know of except maybe a fan club. Most artists have fan clubs. I guess you could join that club if you want in addition to the club I made up in the first sentence. Or you could join the Burger King Kids’ Club. That’s a good club.
Matt Nathanson first caught my attention (which is hard to catch) in 2003 with his album Beneath These Fireworks. If you’ve never heard this album, I definitely recommend checking out the single “Suspended.” It’s breath-takingly singer-songwritery.
At that time, he had just released a re-make of the ever-popular hit “Laid” (originally sung by the band James) for the movie “American Wedding”. I had the pleasure of working with Matt as well in 2003 where he, just for fun, did a free concert before his actual concert for the die-hard fans that showed up hours before just to meet him. He was by far one of the coolest guys I’ve ever met. After helping him set up his equipment, he asked me if I wanted to “mess around” with his $4,000 acoustic guitar. I told him no thank you (for fear of breaking it with my powers of uncoordination) and instead caressed it lovingly (which may or may not have creeped him out.)
I’m sure you’ve heard a glimpse of the single “Come On Get Higher” from his latest album Some Mad Hope. This song (as a single should) drew me right to his album:
Matt Nathanson is known for being pretty vulgarish in his live shows (which is completely not reflected in his music) but personally, I like my folk-rock with a splash of danger. And he definitely rocks out live. If you’re in the mood for a singer-songwriter with a crackle in his voice and a splash of folk, Matt Nathanson is for you.
Check out Some Mad Hope below:
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Are you diggin’ Matt Nathanson? Check out another Matt!
Matt Wertz is one of those guys that you fall in love with before you even hear a note of music. He’s funny, loveable and gives off a laid-back Santa Barbara vibe (even though he’s originally from Maryland and now residing in Nashville…he’s versatile like that.) I first heard about Matt Wertz almost six years ago upon the release of his second album Twentythree Places. I literally (not literally) listened to this album 10,000 times….seriously. I was actually fortunate enough to work with Matt at a venue in Central Illinois where he performed with his long-time friend Dave Barnes. It was by far one of the funniest musical shows I’ve ever seen. Sort of (but not really) like watching a non-terrifying, virtuoso clown play classical piano. Now that’s musical comedy.
As mentioned previously four sentences ago, I first got hooked on Matt Wertz with his second album, Twentythree Places. This album really sets the groundwork for the kind of laid-back, feel-good music he tends to deliver. Many of the songs on this album were carried over to his first officially, record-labely sponsored album Under Summer Sun. I’m telling you if you’re looking for that one album to carry you through the upcoming summer season, make this album it. It promises to deliver a nostalgic feeling you won’t soon forget. Like when I used to wake up early on Saturday to eat Cap’n Crunch and watch cartoons last week. I’ll remember it always.
I recommend checking out “Marianne”, “Red Meets Blue”, and “The Way I Feel”, which features a very awesome Marc Broussard wailing on the back-up vocals. But don’t take my word for it…no wait, yeah, take my word for it. It’s awesome.
And fresh off the internetting is his brand new video for “Everything’s Right.” Polaroids are awesome again!
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