swish spins (no. 6) – best set yet?

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

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)

Share and Enjoy: