Enlightened Conflict

seu jorge

May 17th, 2013

So.

Some different music … a Brazilian musician as a matter of fact.

A little old (late 2008) but I just saw this artist, and his band, on Jools Holland.

A guy named Seu Jorge.

Some background <because I had no clue who he was but the music was infectious>. Seu Jorge was part of the Brazilian band called Farofa Carioca and wrote most of the songs on the 1998 debut album Moro no Brasil.

Then in 2001 he released a solo album Samba Esporte Fino <it was released outside Brazil under the name Carolina in 2003>.

His second album, Cru <”Raw”> was released in 2005 <and that is the album the song he plays on Jools Holland comes from>.

Seu Jorge also recorded the live duo album “Ana & Jorge” with Brazilian singer Ana Carolina released in Brazil in 2005.

Ok.

Here is Seu.

This is a nice taste of his music and style. Upbeat fresh and great listening and exotic.

Buruguesinha by Seu Jorge (Later Live – with Jools Holland):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDh_EwqDZAQ

By the way … I am fairly sure that ‘burguesinha’ means little bourgeois girl <or rich girl>.

Next.

This next video and song I love because it showcases him in a couple of interesting ways.

It is sparse. I imagine it is paying homage to his days on the street as a guy playing for loose change in people’s pockets.

Not highly produced and pretty simple. It showcases an earlier version of him than the Jools Holland does.

Tive Razao <with William Dafoe & Bill Murray – as a priest – in video>: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwT2iiKeg1g

Anyway.

Who is this guy? Well. He used to be a homeless guy.

Seu Jorge <Portuguese pronunciation: sew> is a Brazilian singer/songwriter.

Born Jorge Mário da Silva <one of his bandmates apparently gave him his stage name> when he was 19 he became homeless and remained homeless for 3 years. His music flourished when he was living in the streets and was playing as a street musician.

I love this music.

I love finding random artists from outside America to listen to.

It is a reminder that there are some spectacularly talented musicians <and people> outside the boundaries of the country I live in.

come along redux

May 17th, 2013

“Come along and you’ll see what it’s like to be free” - Titiyo

Well.

It’s about time. 12 years after its initial release <2001> one of my favorite little known songs has been redone <quite well> and is sneaking up the charts in 2013.

The song is Come Along.

Originally done by Titiyo <Teh-tee-yo> and now sung by Vicci Martinez featuring Cee Lo.

Vicci, who has a nice voice, didn’t do much to the original version except speed it up ever so slightly. And it sound good.

It is nice done and extremely listenable and a good radio song.

2013 Come Along : http://vimeo.com/63360075

And here is the original.

2001 Come Along <original>: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLsVGwNWOA4

So. The first time I heard Come Along was on the TV show, Providence, soundtrack <I wasn’t familiar with the show itself>. A good soundtrack by the way if you were interested in rising thoughtful singers in the early 2000’s.

The soundtrack spans from the alt-folk style of Dar Williams and Jonatha Brooke to the contemporary country of Rebecca Lynn Howard and Kim Richey to Titiyo’s anthemic pop to Beatles remakes <both Shawn Colvin and Chantal Kresaviuk do versions of In My Life that are spectacularly sweet in completely different ways>.

Titiyo was more popular in Europe when she was cranking music out in the early 2000’s.

Titiyo Yambalu Felicia Jah is Swedish. Interesting, at least to me, she is the half-sister of singer-songwriter Neneh Cherry <remember the song Buffalo Dance?>, the stepdaughter of jazz trumpeter and composer Don Cherry and stepsister to Eagle-Eye Cherry <who had some annoying top 40 song I cannot remember off the top of my head>.

Anyway.

I didn’t share this post to share random background information but rather to share the song.

Really good song when originally done.

Really good song redone & rereleased.

Just really good.

fine china and get lucky

May 16th, 2013

Ok.

Let’s go old school music with contemporary artists today. I was tempted to call this ‘my retro top 40 good stuff to listen to’ but that was too long. Regardless. Two songs are chugging up the top 40 radio playlist that pay homage to the past – Michael Jackson and disco. And, by the way, they are actually two pretty good songs <one spectacular>.

First.

Michael Jackson. That would be Chris Brown’s new song “fine china.”

A spectacularly listenable song. Ok. This song is just spectacular. Catchy and crossover <generations>. And boy oh boy … can this boy dance.

This is a really <really> good song.

Chris Brown‘s homage to Michael Jackson in “Fine China”:

Just the song Fine China: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORz6cOa-Lfs

Full Michael Jacksonesque video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGs1gODLiSQ

The video is Michael Jackson story like. The song is good. The dancing is great. All the rest is fluff but I give credit to Chris for making it meaningful fluff in a MJ music video style.

I tend to believe Chris Brown is a punk. But he sure is a talented punk.

Second.

The music homage to disco. That would be Daft Punk “Get Lucky” feat. Pharrell Williams

Get Lucky: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NV6Rdv1a3I

So.

What is this song all about? Disco disco disco. Remember the band called Chic? <Chic played the song Le Freak from their album C’est Chic and made disco history>.

Ok.

Nobody is probably old enough to remember Chic and Le Freak … but Get Lucky utilizes the magical music mind of Chic’s Nile Rodgers. Because of him this song captures the groove of disco-funk in an infectious guitar riff and upbeat tempo.

Awesome listening.

Two good radio songs.

Two good retro songs.

whew new song … Crickets

April 21st, 2013

Ok.

Last year it was Foster the Children and the song ‘pumped up kicks’ which was an awesome song but played and played .. and well … played.

This year? Here ya go. Its gonna be Crickets.

<and maybe this new song. … a “whew” song will make up for the fact I just wrote about Justin & Tim McGraw>.

“Crickets” by Drop City Yacht Club ft Jeremih: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F95RD4wGpdc

I heard this song driving home last night and it is infectious, fun and makes you drive a little faster than you were <always a good random sign you like it>. This song got stuck in my head and i immediately searched for it … its just one of those songs. The chorus will be on your lips as soon as you hear it in the car … after the song is over.

I didn’t know shit about who this band was but here is their website which not only has the song, but the video … and a download remix <which is kind of cool>.

http://www.dropcityyachtclub.com/

They were originally called The Freshmen, but ‘re-branded ‘ themselves <renamed> Drop City Yacht Club <or DCYC> in early 2013. From San Francisco they are hip hop. Crickets seems to be the most radio friendly <they may be this year’s one hit wonder> so I am not sure how mainstream they will end up … but this song? … whew. This one is gonna shoot up the charts and you will be hearing it endlessly on the radio this summer.

In fact … I almost called this my “future overplayed song” selection. But. It is good stuff.

Enjoy.

highways & mirrors

April 20th, 2013

Ok.

I am going to mention two songs from two very different artists <Tim McGraw & Justin Timberlake> who actually have something in common beyond the new song I like that I want to mention … they are both the most talented untalented musicians I can think of.

Now.

Just to be clear … I am also the only person I know who starts searching for an ice pick to shove in my ear whenever I hear Adele sing <ok … ok … I only run for the ice pick when she sings anything outside her lower register … which is at least once in every one of her songs>.

Anyway.

Neither of these gays are particularly good singers. In fact … they are actually pretty horrible singers. And songwriters? Well. I am not sure Tim ever writes any of his own songs … and Justin may … but regardless … both are studio driven artists.

But <and this is a huge but> all the negativity aside.

Put these guys in a studio with a gangbuster producer and they can create some really talented listenable music.

That said.

They have again.

Tim with a song ‘highway don’t care’ and Justin with a song called ‘Mirrors’.

First. Tim and “Highway Don’t Care.”

Now. There are a lot of reasons to not like Tim McGraw’s music.

He doesn’t write his own music. He is a horrible singer live <outside a studio>. He is married to one of the most beautiful <talented singer> women in the universe. And his father was one of my favorite pitchers growing up <Tug McGraw> and Tim didn’t become a baseball player.

But.

Put the guy in a studio with someone else’s song and … well … it sure does produce some good radio listening music.

Tim McGraw’s latest single, “Highway Don’t Care” features Taylor Swift and Keith Urban guitar playing.

Highway don’t care: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gHfNBuirx8

It has some nice lyrics and McGraw and Swift do a nice job trading vocals. Tie the vocals together with some pf that typical guitar playing by Keith Urban and you have a top 10 hit.

Look.

Despite all the semi-negative things I said about Tim … I don’t begrudge Tim. He is a hardworking focused singer. He works hard to do what he does. Proof that just being hardworking can get you somewhere. And, of course, Tug is his dad.

Since the release of his debut album in 1993, McGraw has sold over 40 million albums, won three GRAMMY’s, 14 ACM Awards, 12 CMA Awards and 10 AMA’s, while simultaneously maintaining a parallel career as a successful actor in such films as the Oscar nominated The Blind Side, Country Strong, and Friday Night Lights—as well as hosting Saturday Night Live, a rare honor for a singer in any genre. One source recently certified McGraw as the most-played Country artist of the past 20 years (1992-2012) with more than 10 million plays and Mediabase recognized him as the most-played Country artist in the history of their tracking service.

Next.

Justin Timberlake and a song called Mirrors.

Look. The majority of the time I just don’t get his music … and do not understand why so many people gush over what he does. Now. As a person? His Saturday Night Live appearances are must see, he seems to have a good head on his shoulders and this new song Mirrors captures a great message:

”One of the most valuable things in a relationship is being able to constantly change and be individual, but look to the other side to the person that you’re with and know that they’re changing as well individually, but somehow you two can mirror each other and be the other half of that world that you both create.”

Justin Timberlake ‘mirrors’: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuZE_IRwLNI

Ok.

And just to show I can be sappy every once in awhile … I like the backstory behind the song. Well. actually there are 2 backstories … and I like both.

1^st story.

It has been suggested that Justin Timberlake dedicated the video to his grandparents who died in December 2012. If so … well played Justin. They would be happy.

2^nd story.

In an audio clip posted on his website, Justin suggested that ‘Mirrors’ was inspired by his wife. His personal explanation of the song is pretty nice <and probably made his wife tear up a bit>.

So.

Justin Timberlake is a romantic guy <and Jessica Biel must be a lucky gal>.

Girl you’re my reflection, all I see is you

My reflection, in everything I do

You’re my reflection and all I see is you

My reflection, in everything I do

Justin explains “Mirrors” … ‘Mirrors’ is a love song to someone that you feel like is, you know, sort of your other half.”

Gosh. So maybe this guy is more than a great SNL guest.

Two pretty good songs.

Excellent radio listening.

Song of the Day – Boyfriend

April 19th, 2013

Being a non-top 40 radio guy, I really didn’t buy into the world that is Justin Beiber. It was really unbearable for me to listen to.

On the other hand, I’m very open to making bad music good. So world here is my offering of Justin Beiber -Boyfriend – Luv Dlux Feat- J-Dilla.

Peace and Blessings

Dj Luv Dlux

introducing Dj Luv Dlux

February 2nd, 2013

Enlightened Conflict is pleased to introduce dj luv dlux as a guest music contributor <I am always open to guest contributors and keep hoping my friend Jen would write more because she is a fabulous writer and is possibly even more of a contrarian than I am> who will be offering up his new music songs of the day.

Oh.

But this will not mean that I won’t offer my own warped new music thoughts on occasion <but his will be better>.

Anyway.

Dj luv dlux is my good friend ‘the DMan’ <his name is Donald>.

A great guy who knows a shitload more about music than I do and much cooler music than I do.

The great thing about D?

He doesn’t just love music … he loves the message. So you will get a life lesson … okay … maybe a life perspective … as you also get some thoughts on some of the coolest music you will ever hear.

His first post was ‘Song of the Day – Love is the Way … Blaze.’< http://brucemctague.com/song-of-the-day>

I absolutely loved <and agree> with how he opened … so much wasted energy is given to, hate and lying and scheming to get over on the next person, it is a taught way of life. Every man or Woman for themselves or, Kill or be Killed, Self-Gratification, and many more.

Selflessness is tied to a belief that ‘doing the right thing’ will actually reap benefits.

Sometimes I do worry that we have lost a belief in ‘doing the right thing.’

But. Regardless.

As Dj Luv Dlux says:

Don’t be stingy, Love is free.

Not bad advice for the day.

Welcome Dman.

Keep writing.

Song of the Day

January 30th, 2013

There is no audio file regarding this post

Song of the Day – Love is the Way … Blaze

The title says it all. Love in the perspective, of Love of Fellowman, or Love of Self. So much wasted energy is given to, hate and lying and scheming to get over on the next person, IT IS A TAUGHT WAY OF LIFE. Every man or Woman for themselves or, Kill or be Killed, Self-Gratification, and many more.

There have been times when I have given a co-worker a hug just because I knew or the lack thereof; it would possibly brighten their day. NO, everyone can’t pull this off, because you’d get tacked up for HARRASSMENT! But how easy is it to REALLY LISTEN when you ask someone “How is your day?”

Don’t be STINGY, Love is free, Brings no Stress, Makes you cry, and at the same time purges out ALL PAIN, helps you breathe easy, you smile more, people want to be around you, and you like yourself all the more for TEACHING LOVE!

You have a call on line 1… Love will be there in 10 minutes!

Dj Luv Dlux

it’s the weeknd

January 11th, 2013

Wow.

This song is a little dark … but this guy can sing. And … holy cow … he is a Canadian <but he ain’t no Justin Bieber>. He, Abel, is The Weeknd. Yup. One guy, entire weekend.

The song? Wicked Games.

Dark & straightforward? Yup.

So tell me you love me

Only for tonight, Even though you don’t love me (Only for tonight)

Just tell me you love me

I’ll give you what I need, I’ll Give you what I fiend

(Even though you don’t love me)

Beautifully delivered? Yup.

Wicked Games <explicit w/ F-bombs>: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1OTWCd40bc

Wicked Games on Jools Holland: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GF6XeeLMUo

Abel Tesfaye is The Weeknd. He is an Ethiopan/Canadian singer and producer from Ontario.

What an expert said <which is well articulated and uses snazzy musical adjectives to describe his stuff>:

“The Weeknd’s songs are built around a fogged, crepuscular production,. slow tempos, and his keening, falsetto vocals. He worked mostly with producers Illangelo and Doc McKinney, whom Pitchfork Media’s Ian Cohen credits with developing “a state-of-the-art R&B template” with the Weeknd. His emotional, plaintive lyrics often express feelings of hurt and deal with subject matter such as drugs, sex, and pleasure. Hermoine Hoby of The Guardian characterizes the Weeknd’s songs as “narcotised-slow jams” and delineates their message as “partying is an existential experience, sex is fraught with alienation, and everything registers as unreal and unsettling.”

Well.

I have no clue what some of that means <albeit I love the term ‘narcotised-slow jams’> but I can tell you that this guy understands his voice and abilities and seems to create songs to permit them to flourish.

Simplistically? He has a nice groove.

I will be interested in where he goes from here.

Enjoy.

country and pop and a lil’ rock

January 11th, 2013

Today’s music, with its big love affair with the techno/club sound, really has devolved into a quagmire of computer generated sounds … with some notable exceptions.

Now.

The two exceptions I am going to highlight are country music songs … but not pure country. This thought is probably an entire post but mainstream music, the pop charts, affect all music genres. It seems what happens there forces other genres into one of two directions … the old school die hards become more stubbornly pure … and the popular talented <but sometimes tepid musically> seek to innovate, or adapt, to stay relevant.

It is the second that leads me to my 2 song highlight. They are mainstream acts that have borrowed from other genres to make for good songs but songs that are more crossover than country. And each one does it differently.

One doesn’t try and ease it in. It simply plugs in a country thread.

One weaves in a rock guitar riff under-bed that any hair band <or R&B driven rock band> would have been proud of.

Anyway.

The first.

Bruises.

This is a nifty duet between the Train lead singer and a young singer I have never heard of called Ashley Monroe. She makes this song … and she makes it a country song.

I love her country voice … she sounds like a young Lee Ann Womack … and syncs well with the Train guy <whose voice I typically think is like fingernails on a chalkboard>.

Bruises: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmXaaEvnnOQ

The chorus is fabulous. As is the premise behind the song. Lyrically this song could have quickly devolved into a sappy moronic string of useless thoughts. Instead … while it hovers on the edge of moronic Ashley saves it consistently and the chorus, like I said, is fabulous.

Skip over the silly and focus on the meaningful thoughts … and … musically … it is just a really nice listen. No great songwriting or magical musical moments … just a nice straightforward listenable song.

Oh.

Ashley, I found with some research, is part of Pistol Annies <which has Miranda Lambert who I love>. And she has found a lot of success writing songs for other people.

The second song.

Speaking of not great songwriting but a wonderful straightforward listenable song.

And then there is the Kenny Chesney song … Reality. It is actually a late 2011 song but I am just getting around to writing about it.

Reality: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sD2BjnbveM

I am not a huge Kenny “formula country music song” fan. He has his formula tied to his singing style and … well … he delivers it to his fans. And good for him … it works.

But.

On occasion he seems to forget about what his fans want and actually focuses on writing a really good song. On this one he takes his formulaic country sound and puts a Keith Urban-like … or even a glam-rock … rolling full guitar riff rhythm under the song to fill it out making it a broad deep listenable song instead of a thinner whinier country song. It is almost like he listened to an older Stones album where Keith/Mick Taylor & Ronnie are all in sync doing that rolling guitar sound bed under Jagger like the Stones were awesome at doing.

It is also an anthemic stadium song.

An older song.

But … hey … better late than never.

Enjoy.