The Saturday Quiz has been pre-empted by something better this week.
One of the happy side effects of having family from all over the civilized world and Canada out for John's funeral is that I got to meet several very cool members of my wife's extended family. Since the funeral I have been conversing by email with one of Julia's cousins, a guy named Andrew. I mentioned to him that I was something of a writer, and sent him a link to my blog. He mentioned that he was something of a musician, and sent me a link to a song that he wrote and performed.
I think he wins.
He swears to me that this really is him, but honestly if he had told me that "Man of Clay" was a Temple of the Dog bootleg, I would have had an easier time believing it. "Invitation" reminds me a little of Third Day or maybe Neil Young. The production quality isn't fantastic, but the songs themselves are amazing. Anyway, take a listen yourself and tell me what you think.
Man of Clay
Invitation
One of the happy side effects of having family from all over the civilized world and Canada out for John's funeral is that I got to meet several very cool members of my wife's extended family. Since the funeral I have been conversing by email with one of Julia's cousins, a guy named Andrew. I mentioned to him that I was something of a writer, and sent him a link to my blog. He mentioned that he was something of a musician, and sent me a link to a song that he wrote and performed.
I think he wins.
He swears to me that this really is him, but honestly if he had told me that "Man of Clay" was a Temple of the Dog bootleg, I would have had an easier time believing it. "Invitation" reminds me a little of Third Day or maybe Neil Young. The production quality isn't fantastic, but the songs themselves are amazing. Anyway, take a listen yourself and tell me what you think.
Man of Clay
Invitation
Labels: Family, Music, Serious Stuff
| posted by Diesel at Saturday, December 16, 2006 |
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Leave a comment! |
Man of Clay wasn't for me (though I thought they lyrics weren't bad, and I might well have liked it a lot 10-15 years go).
Invitation, on the other hand, I quite enjoyed, though, ironically, I didn't like the lyrics as much.
You're right about the production quality, though it's certainly not terrible, it could use a little work. The voice in particular on Invitation sounds as though it's been through some kind of low-pass-filter. Maybe it's the mike? Don't know much about music recording.
All-in-all, impressive. Thanks for sharing those two songs.
Oh and:
from all over the civilized world and Canada
True. Canada is part of the "very civilized world", not the merely "civilized" world.
-wolfe
He reminds me a little of Ozzy, something is there for sure. I think he should keep plugging away.
Who knows, maybe we'll be featuring him on a Saturday Spin in the near future? :)
Thanks for sharing his music.
~ G (who is not logged in again).
wow. i'm impressed, Diesel, i really am!
it's always interesting to me how something lovely can come out of something so tragic. in this case, a funeral that created opportunity for happy connections that might not otherwise have been made. the Universe has a way of doing that for us when we least expect it. i believe this sort of thing helps provide meaning and value to an otherwise senseless event -- pretty powerful stuff, wouldn't you agree?
thank you for sharing your cousin-in-law's terrific music! i, for one, enjoyed Andrew's performances quite a lot, and i sincerely hope he continues to pursue his dream.
that goes for you, too, my friend. xox
Wow...he's got skills no doubt. Very impressive.
Man of Clay sounded a bit mainstream for my tastes (it was well written/played though). I LOVED invitation though, VERY cool.
Thanks for sharing!
These musical offerings are definitely a step up from the,
"Pimp my blog" post of yesterday.
The plants liked them.
The dog was uninterested.
I think your wife's cousin is a definite talent.
Oh, and what did he say about your writing?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Wolfe - I really like the Man of Clay lyrics. It definitely has an early 90s feel, but that's cool. Some of my favorite music is from that era. Regarding Canada, have you read an essay by Bruce McCall titled "In Canada, Living is the New Way of Life"? It's one of the funniest things I've ever read. It's sort of a travelogue parody commenting on the utter normalcy of Canada.
G - At first I thought you were crazy, but I listened to it again and he does sound a little like Ozzy.
Neva - Some good has definitely come out of it. There are also family members who are now speaking who haven't spoken for years....
Fab - Absolutely.
Anita - Man of Clay is actually more to my tastes, but I really like them both. Enough that I'd probably buy an album by him even if I didn't know him.
Logophile - Trust me, I've learned the limits of the goodwill afforded me based on my snarky wit. It's good to burn your hand on the stove once in a while. And don't think you're going to trick me into making self-congratulatory statements so soon after my metaphorical ass-kicking. Suffice it to say that his reaction to my blog was positive. Of course he's free to comment any time he likes....
Everyone - thanks for the comments. It's been great reading the different opinions.
Ozzy? Wow that's a first. I like Ozzy.
Diesel - for the inquiring minds - I love your blog. Brings a higher level of sophistication to the internet. Especially your thoughts on the Incredible Hulk. Thanks for sharing the tunes.