Welcome back to Volume 3! Today, we have a mix of old and new to tickle your musical fancy. As I continue to develop this series, I plan to focus letters around specific themes. However, for now, please enjoy this symphony of sound.
I Like It I Like It - Moses Sumney & Hayley Williams
I was blown away when I heard this song. When I saw both of their names, I said to myself — “how is that going to work?”
Let me tell you: it works, and it works really well.
Hayley Williams is the lead singer from the wildly successful band Paramore, and Moses Sumney is a genre defying, soul and jazz inspired musician who sits on the edge of R&B and spoken word 1960’s southern pop.
The way the two of their vocals come together to create a uniquely layered soundscape is spectacular. The production is ethereal, which gives their voices an even stronger sense of gravity and provocativeness. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.
Le goudron - Brigette Fontaine
I first heard this song while watching a surf video shot entirely with a drone in Teahupo’o, Tahiti. The song’s intro added a menacing, cinematic weight to the waves. It felt like the perfect soundscape for Mother Nature. When music is paired with the right visuals it can completely shift the emotion or intensity of a scene. I’ve always thought it would be amazing to score a film or TV show. Maybe one day… The track is by Brigitte Fontaine, an obscure (but wildly innovative) French singer-songwriter. It’s from her 1972 album, Comme à la radio. Though she’s a cult icon in France, she has remained mostly under the radar elsewhere. Her music blends rock, jazz, folk, spoken word, and early electronica into something that feels totally unique.
Shambala - Three Dog Night
I actually heard this song for the first time when I was watching the Masters Tournament in April. It came on during a commercial and I immediately ‘shazamed’ it. Shambala was written by Daniel Moore in 1972 after his brother received a mysterious letter referencing the spiritual land of Shambala, a hidden realm in Tibetan Buddhism where enlightened souls prosper. Intrigued by the word’s meaning and mystique, Moore wrote the song in just 15 minutes while driving down the Ventura Freeway. It was first released by B.W. Stevenson which can be listened to here, but it was Three Dog Night’s version, released just a few weeks later that became a massive hit.
Quote of the Day
“When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.”
Video of the Day
This is a video of Jimi Hendrix in 1970 while performing in Maui. There are many things I appreciate about this video. First, Jimi absolutely slays his guitar solo. Second, the drummer’s ability to keep the rhythm as Jimi fires off an insane solo is remarkable. The musical chemistry between the two of them is what creates the magic of the moment. Third, the crowd is in awe witnessing the one of the greatest guitarists absolutely shred right in front of their eyes. I’m sure many of them were also just tripping balls! Enjoy!
Photo of the Day
This is a photo of Mick Jagger by the legendary photographer Jim Marshall — backstage before a show at The Forum in Los Angeles. I’m not sure the exact date, but I love the composition of Jagger at the forefront with someone starting to feel their party favors in the background. I also appreciate the closeness of the photographer and his ability to be a fly on the wall. The image captures Jagger in a somewhat unsettled state, which humanizes the moment. Was he nervous? Annoyed at someone in the room? Listening to a conversation? One may never know!
I would love to hear from you guys, get suggestions and talk to you all! Are you enjoying these emails? See you on Sunday! I have a fun one planned!