Sing me a tale

A book that recently came accross my desk is Broadstreet Ballads: songs from the streets, taverns, theatres and countryside of 17th century England (Can't find any links to buy it at this time - still working on that). It's a really cute assortment of songs with comentary by the editor, who seems to have really done her homework on the histories. They include lyrics and either the tune for the song, another tune it was published with in the past, or an alternate tune when the original is not available.

I really love music from the 15th - 17th centuries in England. Am I one of those Renny people? Yep. The ballads of the times were often v. fun and lighthearted. Or, they acted as Variety, singing about gossip or events. They were v. ephemeral, as well. Some were written down, others not. Some were saved through the years, others forgotten just as quickly as they were composed. It was a part of the long bardic history, and a song becoming v. popular was like topping the Billboard charts.

I wonder if is the aural aestheic of the period that appeals to me? It's so lilting and light. I guess this is due to the neccessity of singing a capella or with a few carried instruments, but there is definately a plus to minimal accompianment and simple melodies. Maybe it's the instrumentation - lyres, harps, mandolins, wooden flutes - and the certain timbres they have. I think that's the most of it - the sound of the intstruments. Hmm, no the storytelling. Oh, Bugger. All of it - I love all of it!

Today I don't know that there is a real corelate in the music world. Country often has the storytelling aspect to it, but then so do some r&b songs. The American folk tradition, esp. from the 1960s definately has some trends like that - the current events, the lilting, bardic sound. Even before the sixties I think the folk music would be sort of similar. Alot of storytelling, history making, and all that.

Sounds like I 've rambled, but I'm feeling too terrible to clean it up. Take it as it is.

Reggetone

I have found a new genre to adore. Reggetone. It's sort of a blend of hip-hop and Latin - v. good for dancing. Also, v. good for waking me up in the morning. Wandering about a quite library when one is sleepy is not good. Wandering around listening to something so upbeat helps the body wake up. Better than coffee. Sadly, I have two albums by two artists: Wisin & Vondel and Noriega. I think they're DJs, or one is a tribute. I don't know, I don't speak Spanish. I just listen. And groove.

I was so hoping to see Emerald Rose at a convention in a week or so. But now I see that they aren't going to be there. Not only do I adore their music (celtic american folk rock), but I adore the band as well. They are the grooviest folk ever, v. friendly and fun. I know I've written about them in the earlier LiveJournal installments of Muzings.

This just makes me sad. I listen to their music all the time, but I have yet to really sit and watch a performance. I've always been so dern busy at the convention!! I guess this means that I must go to Georgia and stalk them properly.

Everyone should listen to them. Their music makes you happy. Seriously. Better than Prozac.

And She Will Be loved

Sometimes an album just sticks with you. You can play it over and over, and no matter how many years or play-throughs go by, you love it just the same. I have a few like that, but today at work I listened to one in particular: Songs About Jane by Maroon 5.

I find this album great for taking walks or working around the library. You can turn it up ad listen to every lyric or keep in the background. It keeps me centered, makes me feel better when I'm upset or sad, and feels right when I'm already in a good mood. It's an all-the-time album. And I did say album, because the whole thing works. No reason to jump to favorite songs and skip the lesser ones. They are all single-quality. Songs About Jane is a staple.

Adam Levine's voice is partly to blame. It's not anything spectacular, like a pop star's might be. It's not particularly unique - no Bob Dylan here. But it still isn't generic; it still catches the ear. He sounds smooth and easy; there's a comfortableness to it.

Most of the songs bounce a lot - that's what makes it a great walking album and mood booster.

All this time, and I still return to Maroon 5, Adam Levine's awesome voice (yes I love the song w/ kanye West, too) and the confort of Songs About Jane.