The Mountain

Song: The Mountain
Album: Everything Everytime Everywhere
Artist: Trevor Hall


I love the music of Trevor Hall because it is so eclectic - the fusion between rock/reggae and Indian chants is truly exemplar of refined world music. But, what's better with Trevor's music is that it goes deep into the hearts and minds of its listeners because it is so rich, so profound. When he sings, you become one with the song. When he sings "...believe in the good of the heart" - it feels natural to be touched with goodness and the emotion of peace and trust. 


There is no better way to describe his music than to use his own words for his songs: "...is about living a spiritual life in a material world, of being a stranger in a strange land. At some point you get scared of being so different, and you want to conform and be like everybody else. But once you have a higher taste of spiritual life, everything else seems mundane. No matter how hard you try to fall asleep to this spiritual part of you, you can’t. That love won’t die."


Such strong attraction to the metaphysical seems whimsical - but with Trevor, there is no pretence. Just joy from that recognition. His music is an outpouring of the wisdom he is seeking...and he is slowly becoming one with that belief in the highest truth...


Listen and enjoy! truly soulful and soul-stirring. If you like his music - there are many songs from this young musician that are worth a listen: The return, Brand New Day, the love wouldn't die - from this album. There is also Unity from a previous album which is absolutely profound....


Check out for now though - The Mountain...:) Enjoy! 
Full 18 mins of the song: http://vimeo.com/29487371

Ennapane

Song: Ennapane
Album: Vel
Artist: Susheela Raman

This revamped Tamil song speaks about the Hindu god, Muruga - the bearer of the vel. Susheela's interpretation may have some of the more geriatric listeners up in arms, but this is an amazing rendition of an old song. The musicianship is amazing. The experimental sound so clean, so mellow, you just want to immerse yourself in the music.

Featuring violin and drums

Featuring moorsing and flute!

Can You Keep a Secret?

Song: Can You Keep a Secret?
Album: Whisper War
Artist: The Cab

The stentorian and raw quality of The Cab's first album, Whisper War, drew me to the band... subsequent releases have been a little too polished. There is so much compression that when the guitar falls out towards the end of the track (you'll know exactly when) it's almost a relief. But the song isn't done and there's still a little more musical joy to be had. Can You Keep a Secret? Maybe, but don't keep this song all to yourself.

Mario Takes A Walk

Song: Mario Takes a Walk
Album: Gravity
Artist: Jesse Cook

Mario Takes a Walk? More like Mario hopped, skipped, and danced about during his walk! The finger-work of Candian born guitarist Jesse Cook is jaw-dropping. Having opened for legends like Ray Charles and B.B. King, he's on his way to becoming a legend himself. This is one of his more fast-paced songs featuring a lot of percussion, but as always his music inspires us to dance and be better musicians.

Moves Like Jagger

Song: Moves Like Jagger (feat. Christina Aguilera)
Album: Hands All Over
Artist: Maroon 5

The title says it all... like a challenge, everyone tries to make moves like Jagger. Echoing a slightly sped up hook of the Rolling Stones Miss You, Moves Like Jagger,  is a contemporary twist on the Rolling Stones at their peak. From the whistle, to the synthesizer, the throbbing drum and the in-your-face guitar it becomes background until you realize the lack of sound was due to the silenced guitar; Maroon 5 released this song at risk of stepping out of their comfort zone - I am glad.

The music video, featuring archived footage of the titular star - Jagger, and so many impersonators, is in tribute to the  moves of Mick Jagger. No one can move like the original, but we'll damn well keep trying.

Little Wonders

Song: Little Wonders
Album: Meet the Robinsons (OST)
Artist: Rob Thomas

Amazing how music and a little time can change how we perceive ourselves and things that have affected our lives. If we let it, sorrow can be swept away with the right kind of music. Most might be familiar with the voice of Rob Thomas, (if you've heard a few of the Matchbox 20 hits, you have). It's refreshing to hear a voice that often sang songs of depression and sadness, singing something about the magic of wonderment. The synthesizer, drums, guitar and bass nudge the listener into the new perspective - giving a surge of merriment that sweeps away any despondency, like when entering Disneyland.

From Where You Are

Song: From Where You Are
Album: Smoke & Mirrors
Artist: Lifehouse

A song of loss, and reminiscence, From Where You Are has a nostalgic melody that weeps. The synthesizer echoes of a memory past. No drums, the strums and pluck of the guitars are the sole source of rhythm in this song. The song was written by Jason Wade in dedication to his childhood friend who died in a car accident.

This song is most well known because it was featured in the auto insurance company, Allstate, commercial as a means to discourage teens from driving under the influence of alcohol. Honestly, the depressive nature of the song might lead some to seek solace in the bottle, but hopefully they will recollect the reason for this song and not drive while drunk.

The Silence

Song: The Silence
Album: Anywhere But Here
Artist: Mayday Parade

Hear the angst in the vocals, the awesome drive of the bass and the hook you just want to sing when feeling down simply because you've watched someone else breakdown.

Kryptonite

Song: Kryptonite
Album: The Better Life
Artist: 3 Doors Down

Ever wanted to do the right thing regardless of your head telling you to just leave it all alone? The notes of Kryptonite don't go that high, the chorus drives you, the drums move your feet forward, the strums of the electric guitar fills you with a desire to make things all right again. The bass simply gives a purpose to everything again.