Ke Macina – Region of Segou – Central Mali
Interesting fishing technique…
* Click on picture for full image
“Sparks” by Royksopp
“Pleasure” and “melancholy” cannot often be used in the same sentence. With this song, Royksopp is able to establish a positive relationship between the two.
While the lyrics are born out of a painful situation (the loss of a loved one), the music itself is so exquisite that you have no choice but to find pleasure the song’s melancholy. It’s a case of holding on to the memory of past good times, instead of dwelling on the painful reality of the present.
I could probably write a thousand words about how amazing the production of this song is, but for now, I’ll just point to the amazing drum breaks and gorgeous pads that drive the track. The drums are “dusty”, understated and even tentative, but they pull you into the song and the melodies from the pads keep you trapped.
The vocals on “Sparks” come courtesy of Norwegian singer and actress Anneli Drecker who blesses the song with her poetry:
“No matter gay or grim, It’s those tiny little sparks
Daily life that makes me, Forget my wounded heart
It doesn’t matter when, It may rain or it may shine,
Blurry memories of us, Come back from time to time”
“Sparks” isn’t just a song, it’s therapy.
Title: Sparks
Artist: Royksopp
Album: Melody A.M, 2001
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“It was written” by Damian Marley
Big up to my partners in crime Mighty Lion, Phelps and Mr Brunton for putting me on this joint back in 2001 right around the time it was released.
This track exudes strength, power, and even invincibility as it’s message sits somewhere on the bridge between hope and destiny:
”Did you know the pen is stronger than the knife/
And they can kill you once/But they can’t kill you twice/
Did you know destruction of flesh of is not the ending to life/ fear not of the antichrist”.
Damian Marley expresses his unwavering belief in the power of fate while Stephen provides the chorus in a very nostalgic bridge between the verses.
Capleton is his usual imperial self, with lyrics delivered in a voice that could incite the masses to riot. For this genre, his vocal presence is only rivaled by that of Sizzla in my opinion and that’s a “maybe”.
However, the real power of this song lies in the production: a dark but highly melodic guitar, militant drums and lion roars in the background convey very clear themes: strength, defiance, resistance and divine truth.
Drag-On’s appearance on this track, although highly unexpected, turns out to be a nice surprise. He was able to spit his verse without taking anything away from the vibe intended by the song.
…..Can’t wait for that Nas and Damian Marley album…..!
Title: It was written
Artist: Damian Marley, Stephen Marley, Capleton, Drag-On
Album: Halfway Tree, 2001
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“Agua de Beber” by Antonio Carlos Jobim & Astrud Gilberto
Please don’t hold it against me if a couple of weeks from now, I make this same statement about another Bossa nova song (because I probably will)..but for today, at this exact moment:
“Agua de Beber” is my favorite Bossa song of all times!
Tom Jobim was possibly (or probably) Brazil’s greatest ever songwriter and one of the founding fathers of the bossa nova style. As a performer, he was a master on the piano and the acoustic guitar. The songs in his catalogue are considered ‘jazz standards’ and have been re-recorded by everyone from Frank Sinatra to Ella Fitzgerald and countless Brazilian musicians.
On this version of “Agua de Beber”, Jobim is accompanied on the vocals by the amazing Astrud Gilberto. They form a formidable tandem with Astrud commanding the higher frequencies and handling the bulk of the singing, while Jobim just flows along..humming in the background. Their chemistry is unparalleled.
Besides Jobim’s lush melodies on the piano, the unsung heroes on this song are the musicians handling the rhythm and bass. The percussion elements are present enough to have you nodding to the rhythm, but understated enough for you to just focus on Astrud’s singing….It’s hard to explain.. just flow with it….
Title: Agua de Beber
Artist: Antonio Carlos Jobim, Astrud Gilberto
Album: The Astrud Gilberto Album, 1987
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“Don’t Explain” by Billie Holiday
As a fan of jazz and of classic female vocalists in particular, it is impossible for me not pay attention to the sounds of the 1940s-1950s, when legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday were plying their trade.
“Don’t explain” is one of the most honest and heartfelt records you’ll ever hear. It is said that Billie Holiday wrote this song after her husband came home one night with the proverbial “lipstick traces” on his collar. Through the song, she forgives and expresses her unconditional devotion to their relationship and embraces all the imperfections of their bond. Her emotions come out raw, completely unpolished and therefore in their truest form:
“Hush now, don’t explain, Just say you’ll remain, I’m glad your back, don’t explain
Quiet, don’t explain, What is there to gain, Skip that lipstick, Don’t explain
You know that I love you, And what love endures, All my thoughts of you, For I’m so completely yours
Cry to hear folks chatter, And I know you cheat, Right or wrong, don’t matter, When you’re with me, sweet
Hush now, don’t explain, You’re my joy and pain
My life’s yours love, Dont explain”
That voice……Those strings….wow.
Title: Don’t Explain
Artist: Billie Holiday
Album: Billie Holiday’s Greates Hits
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Ssidy is what my friends call me. I was born in Senegal of Malian parents (hence my Mali nationality). I grew up all over the place…Bamako, London, Accra, Cape Town, before I went to college in Miami and finally got a job in Sydney where I’ve been living since August 2008.
When I’m not working on The Timbuktu Project, or as a financial analyst (full-time), you can usually catch me somewhere on a football pitch or involved in anything music related. Music is everything to me. Whatever mood I am in, there is always a song that captures the moment perfectly. Anyone who has spent more than 10 minutes around me will probably attest to this: I listen to all types of stuff.....possibly because no single genre holds enough songs to quench that musical thirst of mine... 