And the
High Fidelity Challenge Continues. This topic of a top 5 for who people should listen to more is tricky. On one hand, I want to spread the word - but on the other, I don't want to see artists I think are incredible become too big and sacrifice their accessibility all in the name of paying off their debts. I am selfish this way. A great artist is like a pile of money. You may want people to know that you have cash, but you don't want them to
have your cash.
1.
Rufus Wainwright. I remember about 5 years ago the Gap was running holiday adds and there was this voice that sounded like it had been ripped out of the 19...
something's, it was brooding, it was almost half-drunk, and it moved effortlessly across an impressive vocal range. My sister gave me an album 3 or so years ago and I've always regarded it as one of my favorites to listen to when doing the following things: waking up, going to bed, walking to work, people watching, driving, eating sunday breakfast, gearing up for a night out or just sipping whiskey. In other words it is music that compliments my life and has and continues to be an accurate soundtrack for me. Plus he comes with a token drug problem - the hallmark of any great artist, no?
2.
Richie Havens. Kate turned me onto him when we were first dating. He opened Woodstock and is one of the coolest songwriters of that time. He plays the hell out of his guitar, but in machine-gun staccatto strumming that transforms all of his covers. "Here Comes the Sun" and "What's Going On" are two of my favorites.
3.
Michael Franti & Spearhead. If you've read this site before, at some point I've probably mentioned them. Spearhead is just one hell of a group and always delivers my requisite mix of talent/poignancy/groove/and accessibility. Remember Diggable Planets? What if those guys could actually sing and play some seriously advanced and progressive music? Well, it would suck compared to Spearhead. If you want a sample of why, then on my recommendation alone, buy the album "Stay Human." If you hate it, tell me and I'll buy it off you. I've worn it out. Or go to iTunes and download
"Oh My God", "Do ya Love", "Soulshine","What I Be", and
"All the Freaky People". This is the number one band I want to tell everyone about and keep as my closest secret.
4.
Tom Burris. He used to be in a band called Jabbering Trout. But then he made his solo album. However, he was a lot like Ben Folds going solo from Ben Folds Five. He wrote all the stuff anyway. I think he's still playing in NYC a lot, and still hasn't garnered that critical mass of attention to launch him higher. I don't know how best to describe him other than a very good songwriter with a knack for putting good, interesting, human stories to acoustic pop music.
5. If everyone listened to the Beatles, we all would be OK.
