You see, this is called "Another Blast From The Past" - "past" being the operative word. We have covered the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and even some 90s, but I cannot say with any real certainty if I have ever covered the new millennium yet. Rest assured, I am not going to search them all, to find out; so for all intents and purposes, we will assume this is the first time and be done with it.
This week, I want to feature one of the great young new musicians/song-writers of this decade, one that may very well become a legend before his career is over. If you haven't heard Jason Mraz, now is a good time to hear something I think is special. He's quite talented, well worth a look, and versatile with many different influences and styles. Count these songs among my favorites.
First up is from a concert in South Korea. This little tune doesn't need much to spark some interest. Two guys with acoustic instrumentation, innovative vocals, and some stellar lyrics make this one happen.
Next up is another brilliant tune from the same concert. How could anyone not like this one?
This one sounds a little alternative, but it's catchy.
I'll close this week's installment with my favorite song by Jason.
This one is one was his first hit. He wrote it for his best friend who was diagnosed with (and subsequently beat) the often deadly Ewing's Sarcoma. It is truly one of the best songs I have ever heard, written and performed by anyone, anytime - much less in this decade. The words are so astounding, they could only have come from the heart.
Sample:
Well it kind of makes me nervous
To say that you deserve this
And what kind of God would serve this
We will cure this dirty old disease
Well if you you've gots the poison, I've gots the remedy
The remedy is the experience, this is a dangerous liaison
I says the comedy is that it's serious
This is a strange enough new play on words
I said, the tragedy is that you're going to spend
The rest of your nights with the light on
So shine the light on all of your friends
Well, it all amounts to nothing
In the end
Some medical information for your edification, it takes chemotherapy (a poison) to stop cancer. Thus, the remedy. Those who have had it can well know and attest, it is both an experience and a dangerous liaison anytime you kill good cells, to kill the bad ones.
Double entendre? Sure, but it makes much sense either way; especially when you consider the underlying message of this song, found in the chorus:
I won't worry my life away.
Check it out.
Enjoy.
9 comments:
Awesome tunes! I hear him on the radio from time to time. As a guitarist, I especially like his acoustic skills.
Kris,
As one who grew up in the 60s, it's so refreshing to hear a young artist that writes songs which do not cause people to contemplate suicide.
Thanks for posting this. I'd heard that song on radio and had no idea who it was. The man is quite talented and as you say, not 'dark' like so many other new acts.
You are most welcome AC. I had a strong feeling you'd like this.
Mustang may be another story. He's in a classical music mood this week, it may not be Baroque enough for him.
Anyone who doesn’t discern the influence of Reggae in this young man’s music has never attended the Reggae Festival in New Orleans, consumed large quantities of adult beverages, nor danced with an 80-year old black grandmother.
Neo-jazz, perhaps … he seems to include various elements of what makes music work for a wide range of people. I’m no musical analyst, nor am I an artist. I simply know what I like and perhaps some of why I like it. Mraz is a fine performer and I agree that if he continues along this track his career will be without limitation. Of course, I’ve said that about artists in the past, and their failure to “progress” has led them to a fast slide to the bottom. Music must be a fickle master. I don’t have that problem, obviously. I could be arrested for humming.
As to the derisive comment you directed to my friend AC ... about me, of course, I just want you to know that you can try, but you cannot divide the brotherhood. And to imagine that I stuck up for you with Eric Cartman this wee, too.
Thanks a lot, Sunsett.
//Anyone who doesn’t discern the influence of Reggae in this young man’s music has never attended the Reggae Festival in New Orleans, consumed large quantities of adult beverages, nor danced with an 80-year old black grandmother.//
It seems someone told me about this once. Maybe that guy had some secondary whiffs of ganga, from the bloke with the ruler sized blunt next to him? I am sure he'll deny it, but it is still a distinct possibility.
Anyway, the second tune is very much in reggae style. I think he has a myriad of influences in his music and it becomes more apparent, the more you hear from him.
//As to the derisive comment you directed to my friend AC ... about me, of course, I just want you to know that you can try, but you cannot divide the brotherhood. And to imagine that I stuck up for you with Eric Cartman this wee, too.//
You wasted all of that time and made all of that effort, for what? You could have been much more concise in your accusation by just saying I am a "wedge-driving bastard". But I am not retired, so I guess I have no concept of what it means to have all the time in the world, to be verbose.
You see what just happened, Mustang? I hope you’ve learned your lessons, dude.
Eric Cartman
SPE
Cartman droppings once again, I see. Those stains are hard to remove too.
Oh well.
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