Rediscovering Marcella.

For years, I had a song in my head that I could visualize, hear the chorus of and kind of hum the tune to, but I could not for the life of me work out who it was who sang it.

Do you ever have that happen? It totally sticks in your brain doesn't it, like a needle that irritates you, driving you nuts. 

Well, I achieved something of a major break through earlier today when I woke up from a dream in which I was hearing that very song in my head. I wasn't gonna let this one go.

I had little to go on, other than a hunch that whoever sang this particular song was a part of the early 90's duo Shakespear's Sister, who were notable for their No. 1 hit "Stay".

This is "Stay" by the way...

Very much the 90's song for sure but there is definitely something about this lead vocalist's voice that has enchanted me for years. During my senior year in high school, I was a little obsessed with this duo but could never admit to it among my group of friends, most of whom were embedded in the post hair metal grunge scene - as I was to be clear - where Pearl Jam, Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins ruled our Walkmans.

Anyhoo...I've worked out that the one half of Shakespear's Sister is the very talented and very beautiful Marcella Detroit who has been around the music scene since the early 70's and has worked with everyone from the likes of Bob Seger, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin through to Elton John. Her voice definitely had an uniqueness to it that transcended the usual crop of cookie cutter divas from that era. 

It is to her that I can safely attribute the vocals I have been hearing in this mystery song for the past decade and a half. But as to the title, that was a little bit more of a challenge. All I could remember of it was the chorus lyrics which went something along the lines of "With a little bit of love we can get it back" and so, I erroneously figured that "With A Little Bit Of Love" was the actual title of the song.

Not so...

"I Believe" was the second single off Detroit's 1994 solo album, titled "Jewel", released in March 1994. "I Believe" reached #11 in the UK and the album itself reached #15 and was certified silver by the BPI. It is quite a breezy ballad that doesn't quite reach the level of power ballad, but at the time of it's release in the mid 90's, the power ballad was perhaps a less popular phenomenon than a more organic, emotional ballad of which "I Believe" can be classified as. It's a beautiful song that has a timeless quality to it I really like. 

So, in the space of an afternoon, I've reconnected with the beautiful Marcella Detroit and am now going to immerse myself into her back catalog to see what other gems reside there.

Check out Marcella Detroit here.

Facebook Marcella Detroit here. 

Check out Marcella Detroit's YouTube Channel here.

DFA. 

12 - 5 - 2011 The Day Of The Foos.

The quintessential rock band of my generation, the Foo Fighters, landed in Adelaide on December 5th for a one off show at the Adelaide Oval as part of their Wasting Light World Tour. This was an event that I have waited months for - well, to be honest, it's been a three year wait. I have mentioned to a couple of people already that, for me, the show was nigh on a religious experience last night and one that I won't soon forget. My love for the Foo Fighters is no secret and I have talked about the influence that Dave Grohl, in particular, had on me during a difficult period in my life a few years ago

Dave, Chris, Nate, Pat and Taylor were in superb form and delivered a two hour main set that went non stop - repeat NON STOP! Their stamina was just incredible. The show itself was balls to the wall rock, in contrast to their 2008 tour, where their show incorporated a smaller acoustic set. This isn't to say that last night's show was any lesser without that contrast - far from it. 


Highlights for me was their performance of "These Days" which Dave hinted that footage from their Australian tour would be used in an upcoming music video for that song. "Stacked Actors" was another standout - one of my favorite Foo's tracks and "The Pretender" was delivered with enough voltage to light up a small country. They also blew everyone away with Queen's "Tie Your Mother Down" which was really poignant as I just watched a doco on that band on TV earlier this week. There were also moments of comedy during the show including a kind of guitar high noon standoff between Dave and Chris that brought the house down. They were engaging, interactive and enthusiastic to the Adelaide crowd. Hands down, The Foo Fighters are the consummate rock band and are the gold standard that all who call themselves rock musicians should aspire to.


I'm pleased to present a little video compilation of my concert experience. Excuse the audio on the video footage as it pops a little but you'll get the idea.


DFA.

Near Infinite Possibility - There Need Be No Other Title.

My exploration of superb indepedent music has continued unabated over the past few months and I was excited to discover yet another singer/song writer to add to my 'There Need Be No Other Title' series. 

Sarah Fimm is an American song-smith and lyricist who has been around the scene since 2001 producing an increasingly varied and impressive body of work. Her music has found wide appeal despite skirting the edges of the mainstream in terms of exposure, but in this day and age of quality indie artists, this is most certainly a plus factor. I'll admit to having arrived at Sarah Fimm's work quite last in the piece, through her free EP release 'Near Infinite Possibility', which she has shared generously through the Frostwire network. This EP is essentially a shortened version of her latest studio release of the same name and I must say it has quickly risen to the top of my preferred playlist.

Sarah Fimm has been described as a dark, chaotic mixture of rock and pop with alternative influences. These characteristics are clearly on display in the 5 track EP. Her sound is colored with a smoky melodic rock fused with a euro-electronic foundation. It has been said of Sarahs previous work that it tends towards a sharply electronic focus with her voice lending the only human element to her music. If that is the case, then 'Near Infinite Possibility' marks a somewhat stark departure from what has come before.

Across the 5 tracks of this EP, gutsy guitar riffs are paired seamlessy with polished vocal harmonies on tracks like 'Soul Let Swim' and 'Yellow' while vocally, Fimm presents an ability to range from the hard edges of her heavier rock compositions to her uplifting and quite delicate acoustic numbers such as 'Sing'. I was initially reminded of Evanescence's Amy Lee when listening to the opening track of 'Near Infinite Possibility' but, whereas Lee seems limited to the overtly dark and brooding trademark of the Evanescence brand, Fimm displays much more versatility in her vocal style. There shades of Suzi deMarchi as well - an attractive malevolence that is best exemplified on the track 'Invisible Satellites'. Fimm moves her voice really nicely within the harmonies of her backing vocalists and she can carry it deftly on her own. It is a strong and feminine voice.

As a lyricist, Fimm has penned songs on the EP that suggest a dark introspection, depression and isolation but there are hints of hope there too, of love and standing tall. Fimm has stepped outside of her comfort zone here in order to showcase her ability to perform, stylistically quite different compositions. She succeeds amply.

Sarah's music has been featured in some eclectic corners of the media landscape. She has paired with the likes of Iggy Pop, Peter Murphy (of Bauhaus) and in 2008 she supported Canadian outfit Delirium.Songs from both her 2001 debut album Cocooned and her 2002 follow up A Perfect Dream have appeared extensively in MTV's Real World and Road Rules series, Miramax Productions' Comic Book: The Movie (directed by Mark Hamill), the feature documentary A Space for Peace and the Lifetime television series 1-800-Missing.

One of the most interesting projects Sarah has helmed is the Karma Phala Project. Released in October 2010, Karma Phala (or "fruits of action), is a combined music and art project that showcases Sarah's talents in depth. The project comprises 31 music tracks and 4 albums of artworks and photographs composed and compiled by Sarah herself. She is distributing freely to those who request it. It is an important body of work that typifies the ingenuity and  passion of artists who are not restrained by commercial shackles and it really is something quite beautiful.

The end result of my discovery of Sarah Fimm is that I have already sought out more of her work. She is an artist of particular beauty and integrity and she represents the kind of quality that is so lacking in the vacuous wasteland of mainstream music today. I totally encourage you to spend some time getting to know her for yourself.

DFA.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Hambledown Dream

by Dean Mayes

Giveaway ends November 17, 2011.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Train Wreck In Sarasota - There Need Be No Other Title.

Continuing on my journey of musical discovery, this week I'd like to share with you the music of Rob McCann whose acoustic project "Trainwreck in Sarasota" is turning heads - and ears - in all the right ways.


McCann's newly released EP "The Narrow Escape" has just landed through McCann's label Basement Session Records as a follow up to the 2010 release "Something To Call Your Own" and both releases herald a unique take on the trident of singer/songwriter/guitarist that is all at once refreshing and familiar but never stagnant. So it's worthy to explore both pieces as a way of showcasing McCann in his entirety.   


Upon first listen to "The Narrow Escape" I was greeted with the most satisfying of acoustics and I imagined the performer having set himself in some sort of disused apartment building or warehouse with high ceilings, exposed double brick walls and solid timber floors - tall windows along one side, letting in fractured light through dusty glass. Such environments lend themselves to a raw and organic sound that takes you into them - they are tactile and sensual - something that can oft be missed from the crispness of the studio. I often talk about good music's ability to evoke vivid imagery and Trainwreck in Sarasota achieves this handsomely.

Cover art for "The Narrow Escape" (2011 Basement Session Records).

McCann's playing is intricate and complex and by this I mean he doesn't simply stick to safe chord progressions nor labor on one particular rhythm. His instrumental pieces are in and of themselves a dance where the guitar itself is the vocalist and he achieves an almost classical flourish to what is otherwise indie/experimental folk and blues. This is what impresses me most about the performances on both releases - though I tend to favor "The Narrow Escape's" depth of musicality, which is merely a personal preference and in no way diminishes "Something To Call Your Own. As an artist - be it a musical or a literary one - we tend to pride ourselves on our first productions.  


Trainwreck in Sarasota' songs are lyrically appealing and McCann is a songwriter and lyricist of considerable talent. His songs on both releases range through the territory of deep emotional reflection, dealing with such abstracts as depression, substance abuse, fear and loathing as well as soul searching, love and absolution. As vocalist, McCann has a range and a rawness that suits the folk/blues sound of his guitar. It is honest and passionate, reflective and melodious. Most important of all - it is unquestionably individual, which is so refreshing to find in among the dearth of manufactured music that has swamped the mainstream in recent times.

Trainwreck in Sarasota's Rob McCann.

I don't like to compare musicians with one another because I think it can sometimes be unhelpful but McCann himself does cite as musical influences the likes of The Decemberists, Jeff Martin, Hawksley Workman and The Weepies. I myself, was reminded a little of Colin Hay, Chris Whitley and even Seasick Steve. The quality of Trainwreck in Sarasota's sound, combined with McCann's vocal presence, song writing smarts and guitarmanship make him worthy of being mentioned in the same breath. If there were any criticisms at all to make of Rob and his music, it would be to simply say that his sound is crying out for the addition of a session band and some additional harmonies.


"The Narrow Escape" and "Something To Call Your Own" are both available through McCann's official site and, while both recordings are free, I would encourage prospective listeners to kick in with a donation. Both works are highly deserving given the care and attention that has gone into them. 


The final word on Trainwreck in Sarasota, to me, is luminous. Go get yourself some.


DFA.

Swear & Shake - There Need Be No Other Title.

Every now and then, I happen across absolute gems in terms of music. As you know, if you've read my book or my writings here, I am influenced by music. It feeds into my writing and helps me to visualize and draw both character, scene and setting. So I am very much a connoisseur of music, if you will and I will seek out music from just about anywhere. 


But I don't just seek out music for my creative impulses. There is nothing more satisfying to me than discovering something that I can put on the stereo in my work shed on a cold Saturday afternoon, light the fire pot in the back garden and either knock the top off a few beers or pull the cork on a bottle of red and sit and relax in the splendor of my little domain. 


Recently, I happened across a totally legitimate free download from an indie/folk outfit from New York - a quartet with the name "Swear & Shake". The EP, aptly titled "Extended Play" is the first release from the band and it has created a considerable buzz since it's release late last year. Though it comprises only six tracks, "Extended Play" is one of those sit up and take notice the moment you put it on kind of albums. Where does one begin with describing them? Their sound is smooth and smoky, their vocals and harmonies soulful and languid, their lyrics infused with story and poignancy. They add untold depths to the flavor of a glass of wine. They warm your already warm belly with their honest and unrefined acoustics and they deliver a satisfying aural experience that you just don't hear enough of any more.

The band comprises Tom Elefante on Drums, Kari Spieler on Vocals & Guitar, Adam McHeffey on Vocals & Guitar, Shaun Savage on Bass. As an outfit, of relative youth, their sound reflects a maturity and grace that one might associate with an band of many years standing. Their discipline as a live touring band is also impressive and they are a regular fixture in live venues in and around New York and Manhattan. Their success thus far will see them spreading their wings further and I have had a tip off just recently that a tour down under in the next 18 months is not out of the question.        

Presently, "Extended Play" is available as a free download under the Creative Commons attribution for artistic works which means that you can download their EP "Extended Play" completely free and completely legitimately. However, I would encourage you to drop by the band's store and consider parting with $7USD for the physical CD or the $5USD digital download. While there, check out their other merch items including a T-Shirt and Baseball tee which is a favorite of mine.

In addition to their online store, "Swear & Shake" have also embarked on a fund raising venture via the Kickstarter capital raising platform, in the hope of being able to raise enough money to produce their first LP which is titled 'The Maple Ridge'. By pledging as little as $20USD to the project, you can make yourself eligible for a number of incentives/rewards from the band - some of which are quite attractive. It is definitely a worthy project to contribute to given the sublime talent of this quartet.

If you're in the mood for losing yourself in the loveliness of an acoustic sound that is refreshingly honest and as smooth and smoky as an open fire and a glass of wine, then treat yourself to "Swear & Shake". You will not be disappointed. 


DFA.