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28th Entry: My artist of the Week (or month-depending on how much time i make for this blog)
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Dec. 18th, 2008 | 02:30 pm
For the last 2 weeks, one artist's music has been playing in my mind and through my speakers almost 24/7.
Certain musicians really hit a sweet spot with me. Artists like Nirvana (Nevermind from 1991), Smashing Pumpkins (Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness from 1995), Mase (Harlem World from 1997), Dr. Dre (Chronic 2001 from 1999), Bone Thugs n Harmony (Resurrection from 2000), Jim Jones (This Is Jim Jones from 2004), or Lil Wayne (C3 from 2008) really stand out in my musical memory.
One trend you might notice is that all these artists are male and relatively popular on the charts, so i won't deny the obvious...i have a mainstream taste in music, and am more inclined to the work of male musicians.
That is why my new found love for Joni Mitchell strikes me as particularly odd. i can't help but wonder why certain artists really stand out to me. i really like Joni Mitchell for her voice, no one sings quite like she does. Her lyrics are also some of the most poetic that i have ever listened to.
But what explains this sudden shift in taste from Lil Wayne to Joni Mitchell? i have been wrestling with this question in my head but it is proving to be nearly impossible to answer. i have come to the conclusion that an attraction to a particular song or artist does not need concrete reasons to be explained. While some factors can be good lyrics, good memories, or nice vocals or instrumentals, more often than never, the best answer to explain one's fondness for a particular song or artist can simply be "i really like the way it sounds". In its essence, that is the reason why i like Joni Mitchell so much right now.
Here are some youtube links to a couple of her songs i have been playing a lot lately, California and Carey, both from her 1971 album Blue.
California, made me think Joni was from there. And also, due to my own ignorance, i thought she died a long time ago. i recently learned she was Canadian AND alive!
Cary, upon careful listening, gives a sense of escapism. Knowing you are somewhere that you love and is beautiful, but by staying here, you are avoiding the realities at home. ("Lets have a round for the bright red Devil that keeps me in this tourist town"). Also, judging from what i read here, Joni did a lot of traveling, and the Mermaid Cafe is apparently a popular spot in Crete.
Certain musicians really hit a sweet spot with me. Artists like Nirvana (Nevermind from 1991), Smashing Pumpkins (Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness from 1995), Mase (Harlem World from 1997), Dr. Dre (Chronic 2001 from 1999), Bone Thugs n Harmony (Resurrection from 2000), Jim Jones (This Is Jim Jones from 2004), or Lil Wayne (C3 from 2008) really stand out in my musical memory.
One trend you might notice is that all these artists are male and relatively popular on the charts, so i won't deny the obvious...i have a mainstream taste in music, and am more inclined to the work of male musicians.
That is why my new found love for Joni Mitchell strikes me as particularly odd. i can't help but wonder why certain artists really stand out to me. i really like Joni Mitchell for her voice, no one sings quite like she does. Her lyrics are also some of the most poetic that i have ever listened to.
But what explains this sudden shift in taste from Lil Wayne to Joni Mitchell? i have been wrestling with this question in my head but it is proving to be nearly impossible to answer. i have come to the conclusion that an attraction to a particular song or artist does not need concrete reasons to be explained. While some factors can be good lyrics, good memories, or nice vocals or instrumentals, more often than never, the best answer to explain one's fondness for a particular song or artist can simply be "i really like the way it sounds". In its essence, that is the reason why i like Joni Mitchell so much right now.
Here are some youtube links to a couple of her songs i have been playing a lot lately, California and Carey, both from her 1971 album Blue.
California, made me think Joni was from there. And also, due to my own ignorance, i thought she died a long time ago. i recently learned she was Canadian AND alive!
Cary, upon careful listening, gives a sense of escapism. Knowing you are somewhere that you love and is beautiful, but by staying here, you are avoiding the realities at home. ("Lets have a round for the bright red Devil that keeps me in this tourist town"). Also, judging from what i read here, Joni did a lot of traveling, and the Mermaid Cafe is apparently a popular spot in Crete.