The art of covers

Covers can be music's cosmetic surgery of sorts. I know this seems like a strange comment to make but when you hear a genuinely talented and gifted musician take an established piece of music and interpret in their own style it can cause more ripples than an earthquake. For anyone who bought No Man's Woman, the cover album produced by numerous talented Australian Male artists covering famous female songs such as Landslide written By Stevie Nicks but this time covered by Powderfinger, I am sure you will agree that this collaboration of covers is something more than someone playing a famous song but more like the original being tweaked and evolved into a totally different song all together. Such a good way to revitalise love for a song or artist, appreciate the meaning behind the words and not just the voice announcing them. This is an appreciation I have only recently discovered myself so I wanted to pass on a couple I really like, and yes they are generally from the awesome source of Triple J Like a Version. YEOW! Number one is just a great great cover by a great great musician in Tiki Taane, I am sure lots of people have heard this but if I were not to put it forward I would not be doing my job in bringing you the songs I love. So check it

As he states early in the interview he has totally modified it to have a reggae feel and obviously his voice is much more suited to this then the way in which the song was written by Kings of Leon and vocalised by lead singer Anthony "Caleb" Followill. But a beautiful rendition none-the-less. I would also say you have to listen to Birds of Tokyo covering Heard it through the grapevine, but I would never tell you what you have to do, only you can do that. But if you want to here it is

and you can't go past this truly unique performance by CW Stoneking with his interpretation of The White Stripes 7 Nation Army. WOW!

Anyways I this is beautiful music which I felt I could not let you not hear =) So keep on rockin, keep on chillin and just keep on keepin on. I'll be back again very soon, perhaps now =)

Wassup ant eating pilots? You ready for a post which will actually knock your pants so far down toward your socks people will think you're wearing some kind of funky new shoe? Well I am so let's get this party crankin!

Sunday, 22nd November 2009. I am standing, soaking, salivating and sweltering in 38 Degrees C heat and loving it. I have thousands of bodies pressing against mine in anticipation, driving forward to get as close as they can, like a crowd of brain-hungry zombie kids. They are driven by the desire to see, hear and be near their idols. Their musical gods. They are here to see two great names. Ben Harper, renowned for soulful lyrics and emotion driven rhythm, and the ever impressive and ever evolving Pearl Jam. Neither band need an introduction to this crowd, filled entirely with members of the music loving community which has held these names in such regard, as they are stables in the pages of the modern music loving bible. Both seen as bands who have pressed through difficult times and continued to evolve and produce tracks and creativity of such magnitude NASA at one point thought they had a real life Armageddon on their hands (like the movie).

So I stand and watch as these bands play out their cards and chords to ensure the crowd leave totally fulfilled and satisfied, as though they had just eaten Christmas lunch and had their fill of wine and beer, so much so they need no more. But knowing the fans of these bands, they would sacrifice the comfort to hear just one more track. That's why I am not surprised by the rumbling, thunderous sounds to ensure Pearl Jam play more tracks after leaving the stage for the first time. The cheers and jubilation at the site of Eddie Vedder returning to the stage to address the crowd in the first encore is second to none, and the intimate ways in which he addresses the crowd is overwhelmingly genuine. The stand out tracks of this gig had to be the rare performance of Porch off their debut album Ten, the beautiful duet of Eddie and Ben Harper on Under Pressure http://tiny.cc/t6v40 and the wondrous version of Indifference http://tiny.cc/ZxqFg

All-in-all the gig was spectacular and though the critics wrote it off as a bit of a let down due to the non appearance of tracks such as Jeremy, Daughter and Alive, I think almost every single person there would have left fulfilled and inspired by the bands they have just witnessed pour out their lyrical and musical genius. I know I did.

Anyways, that's it for this morning my lovely peeps, so until next time checkety check yourself before you wreckety wreck yourself and keep on smiling. YEOW!

Look out, BLAM! It can happen that quick

So for protection get ready to be whipped into information-shape, also known as infoshape. Speaking of shapes what's your favourite? Circle? The ever pointy triangle? Perhaps the obtuse oval? Either way I am sure your favourite shape represents you more than you realise.

Now as yesterday was remembrance day I feel it necessary and I am happy to mention that only two years ago I visited the battlefields across Europe where so many Aussies and Kiwis fell. I refer to them as purely Aussies and Kiwis as at the age most these young fellas were thrust into the war zone to protect and represent a country they had only spent a very limited time in, they would have only been young men. Most were barely twenty when their life was taken away by a man no more hungry for killing than he, but who so evenly felt the need to fight and die for the country and the cause.

Before leaving Australia for my trip I picked up a book which would eventually educate me in the area of War more than any other. It is called Somme Mud, and is an edited version of a book written very soon after the War by a young soldier who made it home. Upon returning home to Australia he wrote a book to tell his story, however at this time the last thing any publisher wanted to do was put a book on the shelves about the war. no one would read it. But, it is due to this book that upon stepping onto the battlefields in Belgium and visiting the many many memorials that I found it impossible to contain my emotions. Just thinking about it still sends shivers down my spine.

The book as well as the trip to the battle fields are two things I must recommend to all, and particularly young Aussies and Kiwis. You may not have known these lads, but where it not for them we may not be here, and even if we were, what kind of life would we be living.

For some music just for anyone interested check the links at the bottom, I will talk about them tomorrow. I hope you all have a wonderful day. Lest we forget.

http://tiny.cc/HiAOS

http://tiny.cc/Wm9RF

http://tiny.cc/z8N6e

http://tiny.cc/n00TG

YEOW!

Re-birth of the cassette

The cassette is dead! Or is it? I don't think so but I am not talking about the actual music device, I am talking about the energetically aggressive, ultra-beat-driven sounds from Cassette Kids. They are rockin-my-pockets right now and I am not even wearing any pockets! The drum and Guitar driven themes set the lower tones with the sweet voice of Katrina Noorbergen providing the upper layer in an innocent and sweet, yet strong and energy focused way. Personal favourite would have to be You Take It, but I genuinely am very much enjoying each song I have heard so far http://tiny.cc/RXskm

On a totally different vibe, like an apple compared to a packet of cigarettes, or perhaps the number 7 compared the feeling of atonement, I would say Lisa Mitchell is fairly different to the Cassette Kids, however I am still going to talk about her music right now. She makes me smile! Both internally and externally. http://tiny.cc/wbX48 Her voice has this layer of sweetness like that found in an ice-cream Sunday topped with chocolate topping and freckles.... as in the tasty freckles not the skin pigmentation's. Not saying anything bad about those kind of freckles but they just don't taste as good as the other type. ANYWAY, as I was saying about Lisa, she is just unique and so familiar at the same time. When I hear her chorus on Coin Laundry http://tiny.cc/ozX3i I think straight away of a shy, unfamiliar young girl singing the raw emotions she is feeling when first meeting her love. Beautifully raw but somehow uninhibited is how I would describe her vocal style I think. Personal favourite perhaps Alice http://tiny.cc/83Xfu or maybe Romeo + Juliet http://tiny.cc/TTbrw (Obviously a cover version by the legendary Diar Straits).

Now, I feel like I need to vent some mind mess. It is ready to pour all over the keyboard like ice-cream in the hands of a young child, the heat ensuring it melts all down their front. Not feeling the need to be inhibited by gravity the ice-cream finds a way into each and every crevice, ensuring a busy day for the mother/father to whom the child is attributed. All the while the child knows nothing of what is going on and is still confused by the taste in its mouth and why it is begging for more only hours after finishing the ice and cream based delicacy.

Watching the skyline change and the edges of the city creep further out each day like red wine spilt on the carpet, makes me think of early civilisations constantly trying to expand their territory but facing fierce opponents in the neighbours. This is no longer the case as we have conquered our lands and are free to expand as we see fit, however the unnecessary destruction we cause is obviously concerning. Some people never realise when enough is enough and just continue to want more, but these people do not find solace in anything, just constantly searching for more and more.

That is enough of that! i don't want to get you smiling kids down, and I do not want to make you frown, so look.. .IT'S A CLOWN!!!

Now I hope you all had fun reading and hopefully found some music you like, and if not, let me know who you would like me to research and I can put up a post about them or her or him or Steve? I will get you sorted. Anyways, peace out kids and have an awesome day!

YEOW!

Movember

"A moustache is the international passport to pleasure and I can walk proud with one knowing that people perceive me as a man of considerable wealth and knowledge." And with this statement thousands of men around Australia and from around the Globe embark on a mission of raising awareness, and spreading the message that Movember stands for. The message that screams "Hey look, I have a moustache. It is disgusting and embarrassing, but not nearly as hard to confront as depression or prostate cancer, so I will wear this with pride hoping that it empowers people to deal with these issues."

I know that ever since its inception in 2003 it has grown exponentially into one of the most recognised charity events of the year and has in the 6 years of its existence raised AUD$62 Million globally. That is a lot of money and a lot of moustaches. If you are interested in checking it out or participating I suggest you hit up the website and register, or donate http://tiny.cc/2efsX

Who wants a song to listen too today? Is it you? Is it the guy next to you??? Well whoever it is who wants a song to listen too, just click here. http://tiny.cc/SJ1CU Mumford and Sons are all the talk at the moment and this song is pretty much the one getting played over and over, but for any of you have not heard it, have a listen and just enjoy its Folkie feel. Bit of a language warning, as I don't want any of you kiddles to hear some of the words, but I think that this is a song where the use of bad language is absolutely necessary.

Also for anyone who has heard his music before, Bob Evans has a very sweet unique style which I find irresistible. Anyone who purchased the covers album, No Mans Woman featuring Australian Male Artists covering well know Female songwriters songs, will be familiar with his soul and tone, and know he has a unique ability to bring out beauty in the track. This is a track he recorded in the My Space studio's in Melbourne but I suggest you get out and listen to some of his music, very interesting so che-che-check it out! http://tiny.cc/z76qD

DING DING DING DING, woops, that's the doorbell. Gotta run amigos, I hope you have enjoyed and if not, let me know. If any of you are interested in giving some feedback hit me up with a direct message on twitter http://twitter.com/_egg So for now, much love peeps. Take care.

YEOW!

Quick like a ninja!

Hello lovely peeps, so first up here is a track to get you nice and chilled like an iceblock in summer, I hope you enjoy it, I love iceblocks, it inspired me to write to you actually http://tiny.cc/yyH2u

So today I have had one of those great moments when you do a music swap with someone and get to listen to some music you know you should have heard heaps before but for some reason never bought the album or made it to the gig or whatever. The Black Keys are on of those bands for me, and I have watched recorded live sets and all, just never actually gone out of my way to get the music... I am kicking myself. Love is what I have for them YEOW!

This same person, who partook in el'music swapp'o, has also pointed me in the direction of a very clean, awesome and just really cool photography website. http://tiny.cc/FlaKs The photographer is Andrew Zuckerman and this is a site dedicated to photos and films of birds and wowzers, the ways in which they have been captured are amazing. Beautiful shots and inspiring imagery. I actually spent about two hours collectively checking out the images on offer and just admiring the goodness i am tasting with my eyes.

Like I said quick like a ninja so next topic.

I just wanted to mention that today is the 20th Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall so I thought I would share the video the Sydney Morning Herald have compiled to reflect upon this http://tiny.cc/cRB5U I found it quite intriguing and insightful as it gives you a feel for some of the experiences of inhabitants from both sides of the wall. Also just seeing the faces of the people, it shows that all were effected by its presence. Such a giant historical event which effected and touched so many peoples lives. The photos really do capture the emotion beautifully.

Alright awesome peepety kiddle-whats, that is it from me today, like I said quick like a ninja. Slice, dice and everything you once thought was awesome. Have a top weekend kids, Jeni's out YEOW!

you know me, but who are you?

If you are reading this I want you to tell me. If you are not reading this I want you to read this. If someone else is smelly and you are too, just grab the broom and get sweeping. I know you can dance, dance dance dance like a chicken to your pants.
If you think this is going backwards you just haven't seen the backwards man yet, he also likes sausages with mustard and cheese. If you buy them, you own them and if you book them they will come. Seven times two is still thirty-six, you can't change that no matter how hard you try.

Clementine, oh Clementine, how I heart thee Clementine. I just want to listen to you for hours, then learn to tame lions and mix cement http://tiny.cc/1HNGN

Washington, I thought you were a place I once visited and enjoyed like a kid enjoys cake or a snow leopard enjoys food . But I now know you are more than that and you are music which makes my hairs stand to attention like a battalion on the march or a dog awaiting a treat for being 'such a good boyyyyyy'. The beat and simplicity of How to tame lions is awesome and the inclusion of the 6/8 feel, pushing the track along, it's just a really nice touch. My dog is even kicking along to this one when we sit and listen together.... I didn't know that was possible but he is loving it! Maybe cause he thinks he is a Lion... I don't know...

You know what else is nice? Other than free things and things that make you go mmm... I would say something else that is nice is that sense of happiness you can get just by chillin. My current favourite thing to do to make me feel awesomely relax-od, is just when I get home from ye-old-office-o, just sittin on the veranda, playin some guit guit and just feeling the day whind up. You spend so much time in doors while working (or I do anyway) that it is only on the weekend you feel the day in all its glory, but after work you can feel it breathe its last energetic breaths before it allows night to put it to bed. It is put to rest ahead of another day of allowing us to live. I love it! Coming up with a couple of originals and covering every song I have ever loved (if I can figure it out) and just chillin. Best feeling.

Now another band needing needing needing to be mentioned tonight is Metronomy. These guys. Mate if you haven't heard of them yet or heard one of their gems like heartbreaker or radio ladio, get to this page _ http://tiny.cc/NdYCY I have just changed your musical journey, like Doc did in Back to the Future. It's ok, don't thank me now, just wait until you see them live, then thank me. The show these guys put on is one in a million. Lights on their shirts. Sweet sweet dance moves, the likes seen only in Napolean Dynamite... They have got it all. Check this live footage and tell me you are not impressed http://tiny.cc/wtpE2 the first track in this is called Holiday and is so ridiculously awesome I actually cried twice, like just now writing this to you.

Anyways, enjoy my awesome lovely peeps. I hope you enjoy and if you didn't or don't or doin it like a punk or just bippin and boppin like you is popin and lockin it like a fresh b'biggety from way out west in the big bad city or just blam blam SUCKA BLAM! Have a lovely morning/afternoon/evening/morning/steven/crab_walk/afternoon/choco_pie/evening.... whatever, just whatever, I'm out

Yeow!

Funky like a duck

Good afternoon/evening/morning/afternoon again, dependent on when you are reading this. I hope all is well in your respective worlds and you are ready for yet another installment of Mind Music and Me, YEOW!

Jelly legs and throat of a sick bird. Thudding head and echoes of "my shout" still going around and around in my head. Monday's have become something more like a bad dream than reality as the sun is not welcome on my face and the sound of speech seems almost too much to bare. Rargh Rargh the bear grumbles and is ready for the meal so far avoided. Inspired by kitchen dude.

Can I just start by congratulating Boy and Bear (See first Blog) on their recent news, winning the Triple J unearthed competition to play with the likes of Powderfinger and SIA at the upcoming Homebake festival! Nice one lads. I am sure this opportunity as well as the upcoming Slightly Mexican tour http://tiny.cc/Uj9GP will be the ripe reward for all the hard work. YEOW!

Also, sorry all for the delay in producing this post. The weekend may have been filled to the absolute brim so very little time was spent on el-computer-io. However I have some sweet as tunes and some even sweeter candy to share with you all so listen up and get your musical taste-buds tingling cause this is about to get tasty.

So a good friend of mine from Norway introduced me to a musician a couple of years back called Erlend Oye and I remember straight away saying this is awesome, however for a little while I totally forgot about him. That was until I heard the new project, The Whitest Boy Alive. As soon as I heard a track of the new album Rules, I had to get back on the wagon and listen to as much as I could! So so so good. Totally love the singers style and the electronic feel is nice and relaxing but not put-you-to-sleep-style. Check it http://tiny.cc/KyU9X

Also, while I was listening to some of their stuff, Youtube suggested I listen to this track http://tiny.cc/XIQYB it is only short but for some reason I listened to it probably five or six times, love it! I don't know anymore about this song other than I enjoyed it so I hope you do too.

Now, an artist that has somehow not had a mention throughout my posts to this date but has been on constant rotation on my walkman/discman/ipod since I got my first in 1999, is Mos Def. No idea how he has not been mentioned as of yet as he is one of my absolute favourites. Black on Both Sides released in 1999 is still one of my most played albums and his singing ability during choruses is something I have come to love. Something you do not hear every MC touching on, and just another element he adds to his tracks. His latest single to hit the aussie charts is is a collaboration with Slick Rick, and as my brother will attest I have been absolutely obsessed with this track for months now! http://tiny.cc/hV4nG Madlib's presence is notable as soon as the track kicks off and no one need question either Mos or Slicks MC-ability. The three collaborate so smoothly and Slick Rick's unique style is just as fresh as the first time I heard his voice. Love it.

If you need any more persuading or just want to hear a couple of little snippets of Mos and his abilities check out these videos of him freestylin against close friend Kanye West http://tiny.cc/pSURM http://tiny.cc/ZEPYw

Okelie so that is another super awesome blog diggety done, and I hope you all appreciated it. If not I am sorry but the only way I know to fix it is if you tell me,so access my twitter account as above if need be. Always happy to hear feedback, tips, opinions or even suggestions for topics. But, for now, I'LL GET YOU NEXT TIME CAPTAIN PLANET! Jeni's out.

Yeow!