swish spins (no. 6) - best set yet?

Some great records in session 6, from some artists that are new to me (Yoav, Asa, Brett Dennen). Jeff Buckley’s ”Lover, you should have come over*” is old and peculiar, it’s title needs a caveat that newcomer Brett Dennan’s “Darlin’ do not fear’ aptly provides:  ”Lover…” is a  poigniant song about regret and sacrifice and not the schtik of today’s  R&B-movie records. You may remember it from the forgettable Cullum cover (I don’t), but I was struck by the compelling lyrics full of sacrifice and totality that really come across in this original:   

“It’s never over; my kingdom for a kiss upon her shoulder…
…It’s never over; all my blood for the sweetness of her laughter”

 In fact these are all v.lyrical records, and the shakespearean flava doesn’t let up - Lizz Wright’s Dreaming Wide Awake is amazing - I woke up to it after taking a power-nap, her voice has a stirring quality, but the lyrics are stronger than any alarm:

“My eyes burn /I have seen the glory of a brighter sun
My heart aches / It has felt the peace of perfect love
My mind fails / as I try to recall the bliss of glorious day”

Tosin does a great job on Eric Lau’s new album, a consumate crooner.  And Asa, who visits the UK next month, is in fine form on ‘Jailer’. Doutbless I’ll be spinning more from them in future sessions: here’s the full list:

Eric Lau ft. Tosin - Don’t Let ‘Em
He Aint Heavy, He’s my Brother [Previously Unissued] - Donny Hathaway (These Songs For You, Live)
Darlin’ Do Not Fear - Brett Dennen (So Much More)
Lover, you should have come over - Jeff Buckley (Grace)
Wires - Athlete (Live In San Francisco)
Yeah, The End - Yoav (Charmed & Strange)
Afro Beat Blues - Hugh Masekela (The CHISA years)
Jailer - Asa (Jailer)
He Say She Say - Lupe Fiasco (Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor)
The One Who Loves You The Most - Brett Dennan (So Much More)
The Celebration Wedding - (All The Hits So Far and other sundry items, but don’t expect too much)
Dreaming Wide Awake - Lizz  Wright (Dreaming Wide Awake)

April 18, 2008 | Filed Under swish spins

 

Comments

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Close
E-mail It