What I'm Listening to Today: 1/20/04

10:00 A.M. - Notwist - "Neon Golden" - A dear friend sent this album to me. I've never heard of the Notwist group before and didn't know just what I was going to be getting myself into, but I should know to trust in my friend's tastes because I was pleasantly surprised at this album. In particular I've noted the electronic instruments that are presented in this album. Track number 2, "Pilot," is just an awesome song. The beat is as catchy as they come. The beginning of track 3 is very "Beatle-esque," and a scratchy groovy rhthym begins to take over. I've always been worried about listening to this type of music, whatever kind of music "this" is, but I'm finding that Notwist has some nice melodies in addition to the synthesized instruments, making this a good combination. Song 4, "Trashing Days," has an acoustic guitar intro and a throbbing beat. Throb, baby, throb! This man's voice is just sweeeeeeet! Nice use of melody with the other voices that come in. My favorite ingredient in this album is the "electronica" element. It doesn't necessarily catapult me into a passionate frenzy, and I wouldn't call it highly emotional music but it is a nice album to listen to and have in the collection for future listening. "Pilot" is my favorite track on this album. "Consequence" is, to put it plainly, lovely.

11:05 A.M. - Patty Griffin - "Living With Ghosts" - First impression I have of this woman is that her voice reminds me of Alanis Morissette. That's definitely not a bad thing. First song is just vocal and acoustic guitar. Looking to see if the rest is too "Dylanish." (Wink to Zach.) This is another album sent to me to try out by my dear sweet friend! Patty has a very strong voice and at times does seem to belt it out like Alanis. It is solely acoustic guitar and voice, though. Dear Zach told me it might be a bit Dylanish. He's trying to broaden my horizons, though! For those of you who like folkie music with a gorgeous female voice, though, you'd really enjoy this. It's almost spooky how much she sounds like Alanis! Sometimes CDs take a couple of tries though, so who knows, I might end up falling in love with this album.

1:20 P.M. - Lucinda Williams - "Essence" - The first song starts off sweetly, and just by the beginning instrumentation I get the picture Lucinda is going to give us a meaningful tale, if only in a few words, about what it is to be a "Lonely Girl." OK, Zach, this one so far isn't too Dylanish for me. ;) The guitar and violin in this piece are so charming I'd have to be crazy not to fall in love with it. I would categorize Lucinda with Sheryl Crow. (Or is it even right of me to categorize anything? Is it fair to these artists to compare them with others?) Song 2, Lucinda sings, "I don't want your drugs, I don't want your money, I just want to steal your love." I really like the lyrics in this song. It's definitely a lovey-dovey song. I can picture two lovers on a lookout-point under the beautiful night sky, both lying on the hood of a car staring into each others' eyes and smiling at each other.... (OK, should I stop the mushy stuff?) OH, I love the forboding drums in the beginning of song number 3. "I Envy the Wind" is so heartfelt and definitely a song I'm going to love. Que Dulce! One thing I've noted, though, is her overuse of vibrato, but even in spite of that she has such a sweet voice. Sure to capture a heart. "Essence" is a very sexy song and she really puts on a sultry voice for this one. The title track, then, is my favorite on this album. I really have to repeat here that I REALLY do like the track "Essence." That song alone would make this album worth the purchase.