December Playlist

 It's time for a new music playlist.  I'm not feeling like putting in many words.  So, if you find something you like here, good!  If not, feel free to locate something to listen to that makes you happy - everyone wins!

Thinkin' Till the Crack of Dawn - Charlie Peacock

Twenty Four - Switchfoot

 Fairpoint Diary - Over the Rhine

 Seemann - Apocalyptica featuring Nina Hagen

 Gorgeous - Violet Burning

 Just Who - The Choir

 Homeboys - Adam Again

Armageddon - Anberlin

 Rocketship Jesus - the Ascendants

It Doesn't Feel Like Christmas - Sam Phillips

 Christmas Upon Winter Hill - All Hail the Silence

This list - per the norm - goes to eleven.  Have a fine weekend everyone!

November Playlist

 

I just realized that somehow, I skipped October when it came to a music playlist.  But, that's ok, I had two in August.  So, we'll just do our November list a bit earlier than normal.  

I tried to include a few links to Band Camp songs rather than Youtube videos.  This provides you with an opportunity to purchase songs from the artists if they interest you.  Often, the Youtube videos are not authorized by the artist and don't benefit them.  Since I often share music by artists that get less coverage, it makes sense to try to support them in this way if I can.

I hope you find a tune or two that you enjoy - and if you don't, make sure you treat yourself to sounds you DO enjoy sometimes today.

Danny Oertli with Phil Keaggy and Dave Beegle - Planes, Wolves and Bears

The Ascendants with Leigh Nash - Once in a Lifetime

This is a cover of a Talking Heads tune and I do like what they've done with it.  It's fun and an enjoyable listen.  The Bandcamp link is here.

Talking Heads - Road to Nowhere

Well, you knew I had to include something by the Talking Heads after referencing them in the prior tune, right?

Acceptance - Midnight

 Centrifugal - the Choir

 Here's a newer tune by a favorite artist of mine. 

Mysterious Ways - U2

Stellazine Prophesy - 77s

Berlin Kitty - Violet Burning

Demon Box - Veil of Ashes

Dark Night - Undercover

Tired of Winning - Nothing More

September Playlist

This seems like a good Saturday in the month of September to share a music playlist.  This time around, I'm just going to share a few tunes that are some all-time favorites of mine.  It doesn't matter if I've shared these specific songs before.  It doesn't matter if I share more than one song by the same artist.  It doesn't really matter what anyone who reads this might think.  

It's my list, and I'm sharing the music I like.  That's all there is to it, so there!

Ok.  I hope you like some of these selections too.  It's not required that you do, of course.  So, if you're left wanting after this, put in some of your own favorites, or go listen to the wind in the trees or in the dry, fall grasses, or the voice of someone you love.

And now, for our list, which goes to eleven.

Smokescreen - Lost Dogs

Great lyrics, of course.  But the thing that sticks out is the atmosphere that comes with this song.  You can almost feel the wind creeping in through the cracks of an old shack on a cold winter day, especially at the end of this track.

Restore My Soul - the Choir

This one has been a favorite for a very long time.  All of the images of being "almost there, but not quite" are relatable for all of us.  "A bridge away from justified, a step away from whole."  The song has a mesmerizing beat and I always find myself stopping to listen to the instrumentation at the end.

Give Me Strength - Over the Rhine

Apparently there are a couple of things developing here.  I like songs that use the instrumentation and sound to build a a bit of a mood for the lyrics that go with them.  "Give me time to heal and build myself a dream...Give me strength to be only me."

Echo Wars - Peter Case

I will freely admit that I would not usually pick Peter Case in an "all-time favorites" list if I were asked to select off the top of my head.  And yet, every time I'm perusing the music in our library and I see this Peter Case album, I can immediately hear the tunes in my head.

Low - Violet Burning

It's a big, grand tune.  And, to listen to it requires an investment of a sort.  But a worthwhile one.  

We could lie here together
Pulling the stars from the sky
Maybe things will get better
Maybe not, I don't know why

Forum - Undercover

Another tune that has a beat that make you bob your head or tap your feet, even when you tell yourself not to. 

 

Faust, Midas, and Myself - Switchfoot

Life begins at the intersection.  Great story-telling and lyrics in this one.

I Need Love - Sam Phillips

I have a hard time picking a particular song by Sam Phillips.  She writes in a way that makes me feel like a song is comfortable even on the first listen, but still fresh after several listens.

Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

Yeah.  I know.  Lots of people like this song.  Fine with me.

War - Lifesavers Underground (LSU)

And here's a tune not very many people have likely heard - as compared to the previous entry.  It's different.  I like it.  And that's why it's in the list.

And now, so this list properly goes to eleven....

Homeward - Future of Forestry

I'll just leave you with this one.  Enjoy!

Special Request Playlist

 

It's not a Saturday.  We've already done an August playlist.  But, I got a special request for some more instrumental music - especially if they feature cellos and stringed instruments.

Ok, Mom!  Here you go.  I'm not going to do much writing this time, I'm just going to share the music.  I hope you all enjoy a few of these.  Like most all of my music lists on the blog, this one will go to eleven.

Cello Fury - Pins and Needles

Dave Beegle - Big Fish Rhumba

The music begins at the 1 minute mark.

Future of Forestry - Union

Iona - The Island

Apocalyptica - Romance

George Winston - Riders on the Storm

Black Violin - Nimrod

Yoyo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer & Chris Thile -  Scarcely Cricket

2Cellos - Celloverse

Aaron Sprinkle - Sprung

Rhiannon Giddens - He Will See You Through

There you are, eleven songs - only one is not an instrumental.

May you find music that you enjoy wherever you are.

The GFF August 2023 Playlist

 

It is time for a new music playlist on the Genuine Faux Farm blog.  Once again, my choice of when to do a new playlist is pretty arbitrary.  But I have been able to do one nearly every month for a while.  If you are curious about others, you can go here.

Classic Crime - Lost Magic

I first "discovered" Classic Crime when I stumbled on their Phoenix album some undisclosed (and probably forgotten) number of years ago.  If you wanted to introduce yourself to this group, that is probably their best work.  So, it was a good choice for me to start with and to encourage me to watch for new recordings.

Well, they just released a new one.  And, it has some of the feel of Phoenix, without being terribly redundant.  

Sinead O'Connor - Mandinka

Let me first admit that I never was a huge Sinead fan.  It has nothing to do with talent and more to do with what I preferred listening to at the time they were at their creative peak.  I certainly had no objection if Sinead's music was played by others or in restaurants or other public places.

Sadly, for me, it took her premature death to encourage me to take a moment and rediscover (or maybe discover) some of her work for myself.

 

Plini - Homemade Cities

Sometimes you discover music by happenstance.  In this case, I was looking for something else and here this was.  I've always appreciated electric guitar compositions.  Sometimes I just want to hear the music and not worry about vocals and lyrics.

Plini reminds me of a group named Fourth Estate - which is a group we stumbled upon at a Summer music festival years ago (before the farm).

Dave Beegle - Classical Gas

Since I brought up Fourth Estate, how about sharing some of his beautiful sound and composition with this rendition of Classical Gas.  Now imagine somebody playing top notch electric guitar in a side tent with a full band - unannounced.  As people walked by, they were drawn into the tent just to see what was going on.

And once they were in, they did not leave until the playing was over.

Emperor's New Groove

No, it's not a song.  And this is MY list, not yours.  So you can't complain.

Ok, you can complain.  But it won't matter because I'm not changing it.

Sometimes when Tammy and I need a laugh, we'll start quoting this passage at each other.  Not always in the correct order.  It doesn't matter.  We're having fun.

Black Violin - Showoff

It's true, I prefer cello to violin.  I am sure it has something to do with the fact that my sweetie has played cello.  Perhaps it had something to do with ME playing cello.  Or maybe it's just because cello is a superior instrument.

But, yeah.  I suppose I can do some violin.  I like the way these guys are mixing musical styles and still showing off some serious classical playing skills.  This is an accessible flashy example, but there are some other tunes I like better that I might share next time around.

2Cellos - I Will Wait

Two violins and now two cellos.  Sometimes when instrumentalists cover a popular tune, it seems like they are trying too hard.  This rendition of I Will Wait works pretty well and almost makes me feel as if they aren't covering an existing tune.

NRBQ - Rats in My Room

Sometimes you just have to have a little fun with the music.  This is fun.  I'm just going to leave it at that and you can listen.

77's - I'm Gonna Run to the City of Refuge

One of the problems that I have with using Youtube to share music is that you can't guarantee that you will find a tune there.  And, on top of that, when you find it, it is often NOT endorsed by the musicians - or, more to the point - they don't get much benefit by having the tune available there.

I was looking for other songs by the 77s and didn't find the ones I was looking for.  But, they have an extensive library with very good songs, so I don't feel like it's a problem to go with my fifth or sixth choice.

Mark Heard - I Always Do

Mark Heard was an amazing song writer who featured insightful lyrics.  I find myself having new insights every time I listen to his songs, even if they are ones I've known for many years.  Even better, the lyrical meanings allow me to expand my own understanding based on my lived experience.  

Good stuff lyrically, even if this is not a fully produced version of this song.

Hoi Polloi - Rest Tonight

Here's a group and a song both Tammy and I have enjoyed for a long time.  It's a treat to see a recent live version and it's nice to share it here.

And there you go.  This list goes to eleven!

July Playlist

This seems like a nice Saturday for me to share the July music playlist on the Genuine Faux Farm blog.  And, since you all are reading the blog after the point where I held an internal debate about whether I should do a playlist or not - you're just going to have to go along with my decision!

Many months, over the past couple of years, I've put together playlists that go to eleven.  If you are curious about others, you can go here.

Sixpence None the Richer - Waiting on the Sun

Last month, I featured a cover by Sixpence and this time around, let's do an original tune.  Like anyone else who enjoys music I allow myself to be captivated by certain artists for a while and I'm currently in the mood for Leigh Nash and Matt Slocum.  Of course, their music is still very good whether I am actively listening or not. 

The Cure - Pictures of You

The Cure is a group that I, admittedly, have only listened to a few of their tunes.  But, I've enjoyed this one since it was initially released.  It's got a laid back feel to the music and lyrics with some depth.  You can choose to just let it wash over you or you can really contemplate it.  Your call.

Sam Phillips - Zero Zero Zero

I've come to realize that I like sharing Sam Phillips music in the monthly playlists.  Perhaps that's because it feels like she should get more attention than she has over the years.  Maybe it's because I can usually find a tune of hers that somehow fits into every playlist.

Write This Down - Hand Grenades

It's probably no secret by now that I often like various forms of rock and that I enjoy identifying indie groups that happen to catch my ear.  Write This Down can do a bit of "yelling" in some of their tunes, but this one doesn't go that far -so it's okay for a wider range of listeners.

Over the Rhine - Faithfully Dangerous

We had the privilege of seeing this group during some of their earliest iterations when they were a full band.  Over time, they have become a husband/wife team with outstanding song creation ability. 

Steve Taylor and the Perfect Foil - Rubberneck

If you like your music a bit heavier and more upbeat and if you appreciate some sharpness to the lyrics, Steve Taylor's got you covered. 

John Austin - Leave the Light On

Apparently, I was in the mood for some talented singer-songwriters this time around.  John Austin is also someone we were able to hear very early in his performance career.  It's nice to watch talent unfold over time.

King's X - Manic Moonlight

I noticed that King's X is touring again this year.  This is a group that's been making new tunes since 1979 under a different name.  The music library under the name King's X and all of the material put out in other projects by Dug Pinnick and Ty Tabor is significant.  It makes it hard to pick one for a list.

The Choir - Sunshine Girl

Yes, it's true, I going with a number of long-time favorite artists this time around.  This tune.... let me warn you....  You'll be humming it later on.

Takenobu - Method and the Masses

There must be cello.  And here it is.  I like the creativity Takenobu has to use voice, looping and cello to build music.

Skald - Fluga

And now, we go to some music that uses traditional Norse influences and instruments.  That seems like a good way to end the July list - especially if you are feeling warmer on the day your read this one.

There you go!  Enjoy the music.  And if you find nothing here you like, you know what to do!  Find something you like and take a listen.  Have a good remainder of your weekend.

June Playlist

 

This Saturday seemed like a good day to share a music playlist.   These lists go to eleven and I've been sharing music I enjoy most months the past year (and on and off prior to that).  One individual mentioned after last month's playlist that I could just embed the videos and people could stay on the blog page and play them if they wanted.  

So, we're going to give that a try.  Let me know if you like this version of playlist better!

I'm On My Way - Rhiannon Giddens

The instrumentation, including Rhiannon's voice, is superb.  Close your eyes and listen - and I think you'll enjoy this one.

"I don't know where I'm going, but I know what to do..."

 In the Air Tonight - the Choir

The Choir did an interesting cover of the Phil Collins song that was (and still is) very popular.  I almost feel as if the tone of this version captures a different feel to the lyrics.  If you know the original, don't expect the drum part that so many people reference.  In my opinion, the Collins version shows more anger and the Choir version highlights the feelings of pain and maybe regret.

Don't Dream It's Over - Sixpence None the Richer

Let's do another cover of an original tune by Crowded House.  I think Leigh Nash's voice fits the tune better than the original vocalists, but that's just my opinion.

"Only shadows ahead barely clearing the roof Get to know the feeling of liberation and relief.."

Place in the Country - Fanny

Well, we've got the place in the country part down....  But, I bet the members of this musical group weren't thinking about running a small-scale, diversified farm at their place in the country.

Touching the Untouchables - Men At Work

Men At Work's Business As Usual album was one of the few cassettes I had that wasn't recorded off of a vinyl album when I was in high school.  This song flew under the radar, but it is probably one of the tunes from this album I have consistently enjoyed hearing over the years.

Invisible Man - Prodigal

You might see some correlation between this tune and the last with references to those who are poor and live in the streets.  The "untouchables" and the "invisible man" are apt references.

Feeding the Dark - Evanescence

Here's a tune with another wonderful vocal.  I've always enjoyed the soaring quality of Amy Lee's vocals and how it works with a heavier accompaniment.  

Don't Do Anything - Sam Phillips

"When you're useless, I love you most..."

Give it a listen.  It's just a good tune.

Nuts for You - 77's

It's time for a good jam.  Between Fanny and the 77's there should be plenty of good jam material in this list.

We Fall Apart - We As Human

"So unpredictable, we're comfortably miserable..."

I like lyrics that explore contrasts and this tune does that.  It doesn't hurt that it has a beautiful sentiment.

Washboard Road - Aaron Sprinkle

"While I’m headed home
Down this washboard road
I’ll do my best to hold you up along the way"

This tune has a texture to it that actually makes me feel like I'm in an old pickup, slowly going down a washboard road - but slowly enough that the washboard doesn't cause Sprinkle's voice to wobble as the truck hits each ridge.  Is it the title and lyrics that make me think that or does the music have something to do with it too?  You tell me. 

I hope you found a tune or two that you enjoyed today.  If you didn't, you certainly have the option to find a tune you prefer and listen to that!  Have a great day everyone.

May Play List

It's the last Saturday of the month, which means it is time for me to share a music playlist for May!  

For those of you who, for whatever reason, have never encountered one of our Genuine Faux Farm playlists, it seems to me that I should share the rules so you know what's going on here.  There are exactly two rules.  First, I pick songs that I am currently enjoying listening to - for whatever reason.  And second, these lists go to eleven.

Sometimes, I just provide a list with minimal explanation.  Other times, I write a little something about each tune.  I do try to provide some variety in style so that, hopefully, each person who reads the blog might find one that they enjoy.  But if you don't find one you like, you can simply go find a tune you do like and listen to that.... and I suppose you can grump that I've got a lousy taste in music.

Just remember, I only offered the list and the opportunity.  It was up to YOU to take it.  If you didn't enjoy it, that's on you.  I'll still be happily listening to the tunes and enjoying them - but maybe not turned all the way up to eleven.

Rise Again - Epica and Apocalyptica

Listen Friend - Above Only

Blind Alley - Fanny

Twenty-Four (our version) - Switchfoot

Awaken Love - Lacey Sturm

Out of the Darkness - Scandroid

Breathe - Darkwater 

Happiness - NeedtoBreathe

Red Hill Mining Town - U2 

If You Find Her - Kerosene Halo

Love Goes On and On - Lindsey Stirling and Amy Lee

Have a great and music-filled day everyone. 

Windy Play List for April

The last Saturday of April is upon us and I have yet to share with you a music playlist for the month.  Since wind is often a feature of the weather conditions during the month (and this month has not been an exception, though it has been milder than last year's April), I thought we could come up with tunes around that theme.

Unlike some of my prior play lists, we're just going to go with a list and abstain from the extra commentary.  I hope you find a tune or two that you enjoy here. And, if you don't, find something you enjoy and take the time to really listen and appreciate!  Have a great day everyone.

Howling Wind by the Alarm

Oklahoma by the Call

Kite in a Tree by Charlie Peacock

Hurricane by the Choir

Storm Boy by Common Children

Come Sail Away by Dennis DeYoung/Styx

Dance (Blow it All Away) by House of Heroes

Dust in the Wind - Kansas

Chilly Winds - Kingston Trio

West Texas Winds - Needtobreathe

Dry Up and Blow Way - NRBQ 

And, of course, the list went to eleven, as it usually does in this blog.

List for Leo

This is our last Saturday for March, so I guess we'd better get our music playlist out for the month!  

About a year ago today, I put together an 80s playlist after learning that a good friend of mine was sharing 80s music with his daughter.  Well, I think she just might know more about the tunes than her father does now.  The last time we saw each other, I got treated to some of her own playlist magic.

Well, back at ya!  Here's a new list for Leo.

Be Good Johnny - Men At Work

I used to listen to Men At Work constantly.  The quirky lyrics appealed to me, but I find them even more intelligent than I gave them credit for back then.  

The Legend of Wooley Swamp - Charlie Daniels Band

This one was a favorite tune to listen to.  It appealed to me that there was rock music that included fiddle.  I liked the story-telling approach as well.  I remember getting goose bumps when "the old man laughed."

I Burn Myself Away - Vector  

This one is probably not going to show up many places because Vector was among a group of excellent California musicians that should have gotten more play than they actually received.  This one's got some fun gritty guitars.

Situation - Yaz

I have to admit that I had forgotten about Yaz and I am glad to have rediscovered them.  The vocals in combination with Depeche Mode style keys is unique and very interesting to listen to.

A Little Respect - Erasure

This one got some serious airplay, but for some reason Erasure doesn't seem to get much attention as an 80s band anymore - unless I'm looking in the wrong places?

Out of the Silent Planet - King's X

This group actually just released a new album last year.  That's endurance and commitment.  And, they're pretty good too!

Photograph - Def Leppard

How about a British hard rock band?  How about it?

Cat People - David Bowie 

Or maybe a little Bowie and a song title that includes cats?  

The Warrior - Scandal

This song got a fair amount of radio play.  I seem to recall lead vocalist Patty Smyth had a pretty good solo career after this.

Jump - Van Halen

After seeing a video of Eddie Van Halen's solo titled Eruption, I had to include something by the group.

I'm A Believer - Giant  

Here's a group that really knew how to muscle out some arena rock.  It's too bad they didn't get as much attention as they probably deserved considering the talent level.

And this list goes to eleven, just like it should.

For those who have interest, the Boootiful Mootzik thread includes several other music playlists.  Maybe you'll find a tune or two you like.  Or, maybe you know what you like and you'll just listen to that instead!

Have a good day everyone.

February Playlist - Music for Dragons

The Genuine Faux Farm Guardian Dragons are appreciative of the fact that we like our music around here.  In fact, there are times when we get the impression that they are singing along - each in their own way.

Since February is the shortest month, the creation of the playlist kind of snuck up on me a bit.  So, I went to our Guardian Dragon team for some help with picking the list this time around.  So, don't blame me if you think things are a bit hotter than you might like.

We will start with a song that seems to be a current favorite.  It's kind of a a big-hair, metal band type of song.  Apparently dragons like that sort of thing.

Fire Dance - Balance of Power

For those of you who are sensitive to language or screaming vocals, this next one might not be enjoyable for you.  The dragons, on the other hand, don't seem to mind.  It doesn't hurt that the dragons share some of the sentiment of the lyrical content here too.

Turn it Up Like (Stand in the Fire) - Nothing More

They do seem to like this fire and flame theme.  So, how about a bit more of the hot stuff.

Fire - the Almost

I guess things don't have to be in open flame all of the time either.  Maybe if we just keep things warm they'll be happy?

Under the Heat - the 77s

 
Apparently, it's not always about fire when it comes to the GFF Guardians.  Sometimes it can be a bit more shocking.

Electricity - Switchfoot

The good news, they also like cello.  The bad news if you were tiring of the initial focus of these songs - they went back to the heat and burning with this one.

Life Burns - Apocalyptica

When they submitted the next tune, I recognized that they are a bit preoccupied with this theme. It does cause me to worry a little bit.  But, I did say they could pick the tunes and I will keep my promise.

Blister Soul - Vigilantes of Love

I suspect we do influence our Guardian Dragons' favorite tunes because, if they don't hear it, how can they know they like it? And, since we play tunes by the Choir a lot...

Midnight Sun - the Choir

We do have to watch ourselves because the littlest of the dragons likes to play some pranks.  If you don't know what a "hotfoot" prank is, you can look it up and I suspect you'll figure it out.

Hotfootin' - Rez

Of course, this might be their favorite tune.  I'm not sure why.

The Dragon - Kerry Livgren

The GFF Guardian Dragons thank you for listening to their choices - or at least reading about them in the blog.  Have a great day.  And if you didn't find anything here that was interesting, that's fine.  Play your own song and take the time to enjoy it!

Former Lives

It's a strange thing when you find your thoughts focused on people, events, or things that were once a big part of your life, but haven't been for long enough that it is noteworthy when they come up again.  For me, it is an odd feeling to reflect and fully realize exactly how important being a cellist, and being involved in music, was to me in primary school and college.  An odd little factoid about me is that I actually auditioned for the Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestra when I worked at Rockwell-Collins after graduating from college.  I got the call that I was accepted to be a part of that ensemble just days after suffering a broken collar bone in an auto accident.

And it was that moment that the cello - or at least me playing the cello - progressively took less and less of my time, energy, and thought.  Other things took its place as my definition of myself changed.

So, you can imagine exactly how jarring it might be if I suddenly felt myself being thrust back to a time when the cello was a bigger part of life and more of the people I interacted with had something to do with that.  This happened when I learned, just this past weekend, that Stan Sharp, a very talented musician who was one year ahead of me in the Newton schools, passed away several years ago (2018).

The first, obvious, reaction a person might have when faced with news such as this is to feel equal measures of shock, disbelief, grief, regret, and guilt.  It doesn't have to make sense, this is simply what people, myself included, feel when someone dies.  I could not have done anything to alter the path of the pancreatic cancer that ended Stan's life too early.  And, the regret that we had lost touch with each other was simply a reality of two lives busily going in different directions.  The most difficult part of a loss such is this is that all one wants to do is have a conversation with the person who has moved on - and you can't.

I had the most contact with Stan during my high school years, when we were both in the high school orchestra.  Stan's father, Larry, was the orchestra director and a music teacher for the school system - and was my beginning cello instructor.  Interestingly enough, he recognized that I had moved beyond what he could do for cello and he passed me on to Stan.  You might think this could be a problem, having someone who was practically a peer teaching.  But, no, Stan really was that good - and my own learning expanded rapidly with his help.

Once Stan went to college at Drake to study with John Ehrlich, opting NOT to go to Julliard, where he had been accepted.  We had a few conversations and I remember one of them quite well.  Stan was talking about his endeavors to enter and do well in concerto competitions (among other things).  At one point he stopped and said, "You know, I started too late.  If I had wanted to really be successful (as a solo artist) I needed to start earlier instead of fooling around like I did in the earlier grades."

I remember saying something to the effect that there are all sorts of ways to excel and even more ways to be successful.  I suspect he just chalked it up as a platitude at the time because he was a young, ambitious musician trying to see how far he could go.  And, I was young and probably didn't have near enough experience to speak with any authority on the subject! 

I wondered, on and off, over the years how well Stan had done.  I heard about some of his exploits while I was still in college and I remember hearing from him that he was going to study with Lynn Harrell, but I rapidly lost track after that.  Different worlds.  Different people.  Different focus, needs, and desires.

Upon hearing of his death, I took a moment to explore his career.  The simple fact that it wasn't hard to find some of the information is testament to the fact that he was a highly respected cellist.  But, even more than that, he was a trusted teacher and mentor for other musicians.  He was even a founding member, along with his spouse Yu-tong Sharp, of From Classical to Rock, a special concert event that raised money to make music education accessible to kids.

If you want the laundry list, you can take this link or you can look at this discography that shows 52 credits to his name.  Stan did win numerous cello competitions.  He played in the Khatchaturian String Quartet that traveled and performed.  He played in symphonies. He played in front of symphonies.  He played on movie soundtracks and he provided the sounds of the cello for artists in the US and China that included names like Elton John, Stevie Wonder and John Legend.  But, perhaps most importantly, he taught others how to play the cello and how to bring music to life.  His last eighteen years included time as a faculty member at the Colburn School of the Performing Arts.   

Perhaps he wasn't a cellist whose name was a household name like Yo-yo Ma.  Maybe he didn't get the acclaim of Lynn Harrell.  But Stan Sharp found good ways - important ways - to excel and be successful.  I am honored to have been able to call him a friend in a former life of mine.  

Well done, Stan.

January Playlist

It's a Saturday.  In fact, it is the last Saturday in January of 2023 and I have yet to put together a playlist for the month, which is a bit of a shocker to me.  It has nothing to do with not listening to music.  I have actually been absolutely pleased to be hearing music on a decent sound system with good speakers. Those who know me are quite aware of exactly how much I enjoy music, so it might be a revelation to them to hear how much MORE I have enjoyed music since we finally replaced the old speakers that had not been working for many years.

So let's get to it!

The first song is by Future of Forestry (Eric Owyoung) titled Stay Right Here.  This song has a great deal to recommend it, especially if you like dynamics, songs that build up and music that uses live strings.  And, it really sounds fantastic on the new speakers.  In fact, this has been a go to song recently when I want to give myself a moment to just listen.

I thought I would stick with an instrumental as a follow up, but his one is going to start smooth and then build up a bit - featuring some excellent guitar work.  Affector's Overture, Part 2: Prologue is the second intro to a melodic metal album that features some very enjoyable instrumental prowess.

And since we were heading towards some melodic metal, how about Fire Dance by Balance of Power.  This one was actually released in the early 2000s, but it might remind one of the "big hair bands" of the 80s a bit.   

And for some reason that makes me think of Kerry Livgren (formerly of Kansas).  It turns out Kerry has released a new album, which includes a song that would be a departure from the norm for him.  Block and Tackle Blues features his voice as the lead vocal, something that hasn't happened since Seeds of Change.

Now that I've moved a completely different direction from where it might have looked like it was going, let's go to Sam Phillips and Plastic is Forever.  There are all sorts of interesting sounds and textures in this one that is fun to listen to.  And, I happen to like Sam Phillips, which makes for a winner in my book.

During our time on Kaua`i, we were exposed to much more reggae than one typically hears in Iowa.  This is not a bad thing as it never hurts to be exposed to different forms of the art of music.  Who else should I go to for reggae than Bob Marley and the Wailers?  Let's try out One Love.

A good follow up might be Ziggy Marley's Love is My Religion.  Let's get the positive juices flowing with the January playlist.  If you're feeling down after several days without sun and the cold weather, these might help warm you a bit.

There has to be some cello on this list too.  And since we saw a batch of Ring-necked Pheasant at the farm a couple of days ago, we'll go with The Pheasant by Takenobu.  

Then let's go back to some excellent guitar with Glass Harp and Weather Boy - and we'll go with the live version.  While the sound isn't the best, one can really appreciate the skill with a live set.

It wouldn't be one of my playlists if I did not, at the very least, consider a song by the Choir.  This time around I am able to share a new tune titled Centrifugal.  They have been releasing new music through their Patreon group and I am hopeful they'll take some of them and polish them up for a new album.

So... what to close this list out with our eleventh entry?

How about a 2019 remix of the Beatles and Here Comes the Sun?

Yep, that'll work.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Great Tunes for New Speakers

Dusting off the cd collection and the old stereo components has been both fun and mildly frustrating.  After all, I just realized that our Indoor Farm Supervisor (Bree the Cat), probably does not remember the stereo being used.  And she's twelve years old!

Aside from the astonishment at the passage of time, there have also been issues with cleaning the disks and dealing with a cd player that's skipping semi-frequently (also likely due to dust).  And, of course, I had somehow forgotten how rapidly a flood of cds and jewel cases can accumulate around the stereo when I get into a "oooooo! Let's listen to this one next!" mood.

But, here's the really good news.  I have really, REALLY been enjoying the music.  And that might be an understatement.

So, for our December playlist, I thought I would just share the tunes that have really "wowed" me when I got to play them on a good stereo after a long hiatus.  No rules about what's included here.  If they show up on another blog playlist, so be it.

Of course, some of the newer music I enjoy I don't have on cd, so I couldn't play them.  And I will also admit to often just letting the first song on a disc play and if it caught me, good deal. I just put them in this list alphabetically because... I did.

Homeboys - Adam Again

It's the bass line on this one by Adam Again that really got me when I played it on the new speakers.  If I wanted to, I could rattle some windows with this tune.  (for the record, I abstained... this time)

Seemann - Apocalyptica

Pizzicato, interesting vocals and lots of texture.  I tend to like music that has lots of layers, depth and texture.  And, by the way, there is cello... lots of cello.

Finale - Blackhouse

This one has a ton of different sounds and textures.  These guys fell into a label called "industrial noise" at the time.  Not sure what they might be classified as now, but I find them interesting and it played well on the new speakers.

Best of All Possible Worlds - Bourgeois Tagg

This song actually got some radio play in its time (well deserved).  Tunes with excellent production quality tended to really shine and this was one of them.  This group should have seen more success than they did at the time.

I Still Believe - the Call

There are just were some tunes that have been favorites for a very long time.  You can't fault me for wanting to play them.  And Michael Been's huge voice was in full force.  Yet I still felt like I was picking up a new thing or two this time around - which was astonishing.

The Secret of Time - Charlie Peacock

Speaking of astonishing.  I thought I knew this tune.  This time around it was a whole new listening experience.  I could hear every word and every different piece of percussion.  I won't be able to listen to this tune in the background for a while because I'll want to stop and try to catch it all.

What You Think I Am - the Choir

It's no secret that the Choir has been a favorite group of mine for a long time.  I enjoyed several other tunes by them with the new speakers, but this one is the one that provided the most revelation.  I don't think I've really heard it on a hi-fi system before this.  Lots and lots of texture that, frankly, didn't stand out when I played it on the single speaker systems.

Return of the Beat Menace - Daniel Amos

So many different sounds playing off of each other.  It's interesting enough on a single speaker on a computer.  Imagine what happens with better sound equipment.

Smokescreen - Lost Dogs

Here's something that is more of a folk quality tune.  The acoustic guitar was clean and clear.  The resulting soundscape made me feel like I WAS in a remote cabin with the wolves and wind howling.

Golden Age - Midnight Oil

I was drawn in by the opening guitar and the bright tone.  This tune is a bit more sparse than many of the others, yet it felt so much more interesting than I remembered it.  It's got to be the fact that I could catch the details so well.

Mytho X - Mortal

Yeah.  Well, I might have rattled the windows a little here.

Give Me Strength - Over the Rhine

This one has a great fade in followed by a catchy rhythm.  Also, Karen Bergquist's voice sounds amazing on the new speakers.  Good stuff.

Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

Most people I know are aware of this tune.  Most people who know the tune will understand how hearing it on a good hi-fi system could be a positive experience.  It's almost entirely about the vocals this time around.

Lying - Sam Phillips

This one falls in the same category as the Charlie Peacock and Midnight Oil tunes.  Lots of different sounds that are reproduced clearly and grab my attention.  It doesn't hurt that you can hear interesting lyrics crystal clear.

The Sound of Waves - Steve Scott

Here's a song that's fine on a sound system that isn't very good.  So it was really nice to hear it with some better quality reproduction because it gets even better.

Forum - Undercover

You might notice that many of the tunes I selected have openings with some interest.  I suppose it would makes sense if I was going from tune to tune that I would immediately glom onto tunes with this quality.  It's ok, I liked all of these ALL the way through.

Crush - Violet Burning

I also like songs with contrasting tones.  We've got a lot of that going on here, with an excellent build up throughout the tune.

Attaboy - Goat Rodeo Sessions w/ Yoyo Ma, etc

Let's do something different now!  Four instrumentalists who are among the best in the world for what they play - and the playback on the new system fully supported this statement.  They sounded like the best.  It's a good thing.

Nowhere Else - 77s

This one got me on the "hey na na" fade in vocal.  Then I just sat down and listened to the rest.  This is the Way Love Is followed it and then Perfect Blues...  When the music is good, this sort of thing tends to happen.

I hope you enjoyed a few of the tunes.  And if you didn't, go find something you like and make yourself happy by listening to it instead of all the silly stuff I like!  It's ok.  I won't be offended.  Instead, I'll be listening to one of these or ... something else.

Have a good remainder of your day!

Speakers in the House

It is no secret to anyone that knows me or who has read the blog consistently that I like listening to music - perhaps as much or more than I like to look at beautiful landscapes.  And that, my friends, is saying a lot.  

Well, for the first time in many years - nearly as long as we have been farming at the Genuine Faux Farm - we have working speakers for our stereo system.  

Of course, that does not mean that we have had no music at the farm.  That would be very far from the truth.  We have had smaller speakers for iPods and the typical speakers for a computer.  We have some portable music players so we can hear music outside while we're working and there are the noise canceling headphones so I can still hear some music while I am working with equipment.  In other words, I have nothing to complain about in that regard.  We have always made sure there is access to music if it is wanted.  That's a good thing because I really do find comfort as well as motivation in the music I listen to.

So, why in the world would I be excited to put new speakers on a stereo that will not easily support all of the digital players the world has moved to?  

It's just this.  I have sorely missed giving myself opportunities to really listen -  and I mean REALLY listen - to music.  Once we hooked the new speakers up, I was reminded of things I had almost forgotten.  Things like the sound of a bow being drawn across the strings of a cello, violin, viola or string bass.  Things like the depth of a deep bass drum or timpani.  Things like the beginnings and endings of words in the lyrics as they are vocalized.

You see, we never did get rid of the cd collection we had amassed over the years - and there is a fair amount of vinyl to explore too.  Sure, I've converted most of these to digital files over time.  So I have not been without most of them.  The point is I can re-explore so much music.  And I am hearing the depths of the musical fills many of my favorite artists employ.  I have missed really hearing the stereo mixes where it sounds like you have a guitar on one side and a bass player on the other.  And, I have to admit that I still have an appreciation for synthesized parts that move from one speaker to the other.

I think you'll have to excuse me, I hear some Goat Rodeo playing now.  I think I'll take a moment to just listen.

Have a good day everyone!

Music for the Long Nights

It is time for a November music play list.  At least that's what I tell myself.  And since I'm the person that actually has to write the blog post if there is going to be one, that's probably all that matters.

Mid-November is the time that I realize that we are about as far from the bloom time of iris as we are at any point during the year.  The night hours in Iowa far exceed the daylight hours and reduction in sunlight can play havoc with how I feel about myself and the world around me.

Thankfully, I have pictures of beautiful flowers and there is music to listen to.  Here's a batch of tunes I'm currently paying some attention to.  Maybe you will also like one or two of them.  I hope so, because sharing things we enjoy is another way we can combat the potential onset of "winter blues."

Let's start with some banjo in a tune that honestly DOES sound like warmer (and longer) sunlit days.

The Sound of Summer Running - Alison Brown  

I've always appreciated the lyrics of the next tune.  In particular this little bit:

I never saw my shadow 'till I saw the light
And now I need more light to drown it out
I cannot bear that this should continue
Nor can I bear that it should stop

Drop - Massivivid

Then we'll move on to a couple of tunes that celebrates persistence.

I'm Down - the Almost

Hard Love - NeedtoBreathe

Then maybe we'll go outside for a bit, but you need to remember to...

Grab Your Coat - Fair

Then we can enjoy a tune that starts with some snow.  But, 

"It's only a season, it's only a run.  Only love, only friendship will last."

Seasons - Future of Forestry

Maybe we'll take a moment and play a couple of tunes that remind us of summer music festivals.  In fact, parts of this video was probably taken at a festival we attended.  A heavy thunderstorm made the fields muddy and I remember people diving in the mud and smearing it in their hair.  Did they get that idea from that event?  I'll probably never know. 

Like I Was - Prayer Chain

And we remember this group playing late into the night - using their songs to start extended jams.

Let It Slide - Vector

The nights might be long, but there is always hope for brighter days.

Dark Night - Undercover

Whisper - Evanescence

And we'll close it out with a little Maria McKee.   And, I'll have you know that this list went to eleven.  Just as every list on this blog should.

Soap, Soup and Salvation - Lone Justice

I hope you found a tune or two you like.  And, if you didn't, you can always hope I'll do better for you next month.  Until then, find a tune you love and give it a listen.  If that tune is the wind in the trees or the sound of waves, I hope you give yourself permission and opportunity to enjoy them.

October Playlist

New month, new playlist on the Genuine Faux Farm blog.  As I've mentioned before, Saturdays seem like a good day to explore music or books or something else I enjoy.  Maybe you'll find something new that you could enjoy too?  

This time around, I thought I'd share music that features the cello.  Tammy and I both played the cello, so we have a natural affinity for music that has that instrument in it.  We were pleased when, several years ago, a bunch of cello groups and other innovative music featuring cellos (and strings) burst onto the scenes, adapted popular songs to strings and, even better, created lots of new tunes as well.

I put these songs out in no particular order, but felt it made sense to start with something featuring Yo Yo Ma. These run the gamut from fairly close to what you would typically expect from a cello to "are you sure there's a cello in there?"

Scarcely Cricket - Yo Yo Ma, Edgar Meyer, Stuart Duncan, Chris Thile

Path - Apocalyptica

Helix - Break of Reality

Infinity Rises - Cello Fury

Thunderstruck - 2Cellos

CeLLOOPa - Piano Guys 

Variations on a Theme - Julian Lloyd-Webber

Escape Artist - Zoe Keating

Dreams - Takenobu

Distant Green Valley - Silk Road Ensemble / Yo Yo Ma 

I Built Myself a Metal Bird - Thee Silver Mountain Zion Memorial Orchestra

Peacocks / Pink Monsters - Judgement Day

Harbor - Future of Forestry

Sarabande - Escala

Feet Down - Aaron Sprinkle

We Have Forgotten - Sixpence None the Richer

I hope you found one or two that fits your interest and style.  And even if I didn't, I hope you have a fine remainder of the day.