Music For My Friends, Happy Songs edition
Jenny suggested I do an edition of MFMF of “Music that makes us happy.” I like the sound of that. Spring time is always a time when my mind turns to upbeat happy songs. I look forward to crusing home with the windows down, the sun warming my arm and the wind in my…scalp.
I am going to try to avoid repeating songs or albums, but you’ll find at leat two previosuly mentioned artists listed here again. Take that as a double recommendation.
So, At her request, and in dedication to her continued healing, I present a collection of
Happy Songs
Rusted Root
When I Woke (1994) Sometime in 1994 I walked into Cat’s Music in Oak Ridge and heard this tribal, dancable music played with infectious enthusiasm. Every track I heard made me want to dance. In awe I asked what it was. It was one of the few times hearing the music played in a music store demended I buy it. And buy it I did. Listen to Rusted Root and try not to dance, or at least smile and bob your head.
Check out "Send me on my way" should be familiar for appearing in several movies. If it doesn’t make you want to get up and dance, you should call your doctor and schedule a cynicectomy. Also “Laugh as the Sun” (I claim no responsibility for the goofy pic.
Matisyahu
Youth (2006)Matisyahu is a hasidic jew who sings hip-hop influenced reggae. And has a Facebook page. His jewishness, the beard, black clothes and hat, is not a gag. It is real. I really like his upbeat lyrics and rapid-fire rapping.
Check out “Time of Your Song” and “King Without A Crown”
The Beatles
White Album (1968) Is any intro I could write neccesary? I thought not. This list wouldn’t be complete without a little Beatles.
The Happiest Beatles Song on the White Album is surely “Ob-La-Di” and from Sgt Pepper’s, how about “A Little help From My Friends” (let’s hear it for Ringo!).
Erin McKeown
Sing You Sinners (2007) I’ve mentioned her album Grand in my very first installment. I just love her voice. This album is a kind of homage to the American Songook. Some classics and some original.
Check out "Rhode Island Is Famous For You" (let’s hear it for the Tents!)and "If You A Viper" and “Melody”. I do love her voice.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Long Walk To Freedom (2006)Made famous by their participation on Paul Simon’s Graceland, Ladysmith Black Mambazo really shines more without Simon. Beautiful harmonies, melodic chants, and a vibrabt sound that can’t be repressed.
Check out "Hello My Baby" and "Amazing Grace/Nearer My God to thee" “Amazing Grace” is somewhat predictable, but Nearer My God” (at 1:20) is genius. Also check out “King of Kings”.
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Facing Future (1993) Beloved Hawaiian musician, known to his fans as Brudda Iz, has the voice of an angel. You’ll likely recognize one of these songs from TV commercials, shows, etc. To quote the Amazon review, “To gauge the magnitude of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s popularity in his native Hawaii, consider this: following his death in 1997 (at age 38, attributed to his profound obesity), Kamakawiwo’ole’s body lay in state in the state capitol, only the second person to receive such an honor.”
Check out “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” (Sorry Judy Garland and Louis Armstrong, Brudda Iz owns these songs now.) Also “‘Ama’ama”.
