Stevie Ray Vaughan - Lenny

SRV is one the modern guitar gods who played blues music and guitars through his heart and soul. He has inspired many other musicians and guitarists like Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, John Mayer, etc.

The 10th track of Stevie Ray Vaughan's debut album, Texas Flood, Lenny is a beautiful piece of guitar solo SRV wrote for his wife Lenora "Lenny" Bailey.

According to a comment on YouTube, "Stevie saw a guitar in a music store window and wanted it but he couldn't afford it. When his wife, Lenny, heard this, she pooled together with a group of her friends to buy it for him. when they gave him the guitar he was so thrilled, he stayed up the whole night writing this song on it. He even named the guitar Lenny." (I ain't sure if this is true but sound convincing to me, though)

So let's just listen to this wonderful, bluesy and easy music of SRV, and you gotta feel the love in it!


Texas Flood (1983)

Stevie Ray Vaughan guitar tabs Read more...

Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazlewood - Summer Wine

I'm far from being a fetus when this song is written, hahaha!

This song is used as a background music for a design reel, which I don't remember who the animator is. Anyway, this song was written in 1966 by Lee Hazlewood for Suzi Jane Hokom and Hazlewood himself in 1966, but the version I post here is the remake of Nancy Sinatra and Hazlewood in 1967, and then featured on Nancy & Lee LP in 1968.

It's a rather sweet and sexy song, where a man met a woman who offered him summer wine, and ended up his silver spurs and money stole ;-)




Fairy Tales & Fantasies: The Best Of Nancy & Lee

Lyrics:
Strawberries cherries and an angel's kiss in spring
My summer wine is really made from all these things

I walked in town on silver spurs that jingled to
A song that I had only sang to just a few
She saw my silver spurs and said lets pass some time
And I will give to you summer wine
Ohh-oh-oh summer wine

Strawberries cherries and an angel's kiss in spring
My summer wine is really made from all these things
Take off your silver spurs and help me pass the time
And I will give to you summer wine
Ohhh-oh summer wine

My eyes grew heavy and my lips they could not speak
I tried to get up but I couldn't find my feet
She reassured me with an unfamiliar line
And then she gave to me more summer wine
Ohh-oh-oh summer wine

Strawberries cherries and an angel's kiss in spring
My summer wine is really made from all these things
Take off your silver spurs and help me pass the time
And I will give to you summer wine
Mmm-mm summer wine

When I woke up the sun was shining in my eyes
My silver spurs were gone my head felt twice its size
She took my silver spurs a dollar and a dime
And left me cravin' for more summer wine
Ohh-oh-oh summer wine

Strawberries cherries and an angel's kiss in spring
My summer wine is really made from all these things
Take off your silver spurs and help me pass the time
And I will give to you summer wine
Mmm-mm summer wine
Read more...

Yanni - Santorini (Live at the Acropolis)

The first time I heard Yanni was through a Singapore TV program where they used Within Attraction as their opening music, and I didn't know who Yanni is during that time, until again, I watched Yanni's Tribute Live on Singapore's TV channel back in the 90s. Then, I fall in love with Live At The Acropolis too!

I love Santorini of Live At The Acropolis the most! The energy flows with the melodies smoothly, and it creates an impact in your heart, with its musical impressiveness! It's strong, but just nice that you'll be able to receive the energy that it delivers.

The other part I love about Yanni is his progressive style, and the slow keyboard solo of Santorini gives me an asian, oriental kind of feeling. It's just so imaginative, like taking you from where you are to Santorini to somewhere in the far east area and back in Santorini again...

It's gonna be a long weekend here in Malaysia, I'm going back in my home town and sure gonna play this song on my way home!



Read more...

Viva Voce - Special Thing (Get Yr Blood Sucked Out [Explicit])

Years ago, I heard this happy acoustic song for the first time when it was used as the background music of one of the Zune Arts animated video clip, The Zune Plane by FullTank.

No information was given on the music back then until recently some people re-uploaded this video together with the information about its background music.

Special Things is an easy listening, acoustic piece written and performed by American Indie Rock band - Viva Voce. Everything is so simple, but that's what this song has to make you happy when you listen to it.

P/S Never mind the album title, LOL! Just listen to Special Thing and relax!

Viva Voce performs Special Thing live!


Viva Voce official website: vivavoce.com
Viva Voce on myspace



Lyrics:
If the power dies again
Well who needs the light?
We'll see with our hands
and feel and understand

The notes create the source
They cause a driving force
and the sound that you explore
Through the wires on the floor

And it's a very special thing
She makes the people clap and sing
And my baby makes me happy all the time, all the time

It's the touch that's wearing thin
Where the strings break the skin
And the folks throwing stones
Have hearts like hollow bones

Lyrics www.allthelyrics.com/lyrics/viva_voce/
But it's a very special thing
She makes the people clap and sing
And my baby makes me happy all the time, all the time

And it's a very special thing
She makes the people clap and sing
And my baby makes me happy all the time, all the time

And it's a very special thing
It's a very special thing Read more...

Mourning Widows - True Love In The Galaxy (Mourning Widows)

To me, Nuno Bettencourt is the most underrated guitarist and musician on earth. He's a genius, multi-instrumentalist, and always years ahead of what other musicians are doing.

He formed Mourning Widows after he quit Extreme and released his first solo album NUNO, and True Love In The Galaxy is truely a surprise from Mourning Widows' very first self titled album. Yes, Nuno is the name of guarantee of good music and He has never disappointed the fans yet! This song is so creative from the perspective of arrangement and lyrics.

The arrangement of True Love In The Galaxy sets it apart from other solid tracks in the album, where most of them are funk rock/metal. Its got some chill out and electronica kinda elements
in it, blended with Nuno's funk and rock style guitar rythms, and you gotta love the ending guitar solo, which will take you the the outter space with your loved ones!

Aye aye captain Nuno, we're blasting through the Milky Way!



Mourning Widows - Mourning Widows (1998)

Lyrics:
Sadness runs, lonely dies, fear explodes
The moment you arrive
And all the stars align, I'm fine
Life's a trip, Start to fall, just in time
I float inside your eyes
I sit there for a while and smile

(You know there's somebody out there)
(You know there's something out there)
(Well what are you waiting for?)

Come aboard the rocketship
We're blasting through the Milky Way
Where love is a billion meteors
Crashlanding into you
True love in the galaxy

Have you heard the crazy news
Isn't true
They say that love it dies
Can't believe the lies. They lie
They don't know where we live
The galaxy where love surpasses love
I wish they'd all just come with us

Come aboard the rocketship
We're blasting through the Milky Way
Where love is a billion meteors
Crashlanding into you
True love in the galaxy Read more...

Final Fantasy X OST - Besaid Island (Besaido-jima)

I'm not a gamer, but was introduced to Final Fantasy X OST by my ex-boss. I actually skipped almost all tracks of the 4-disc set except for this one, Besaido-jima @ Besaid Island by Japanese game composer, Masashi Hamauzu (浜渦正志).

The song tile has best described the song. It really makes you feel like you're spending a wonderful holiday on a beautiful island, waking up early in the morning to the sunny beaches and cooling breeze.

I love the simple arrangement of the song with the touch of oriental kind of new age style. Hmm... feel like taking a break to a special island on earth...




Final Fantasy X: Original Soundtrack (2001)

Read more...

Richie Sambora - In It For Love (Undiscovered Soul)

Richie Sambora is the lead guitarist of the famous melodic rock band Bon Jovi, I actually prefer his vocal works rather than his guitar soloing. Don't get me wrong, he's a good guitarist with his own styles, it's just that he also posses great voice, which to me, outshines his guitar efforts.

I love the positive energy of In It For Love, the easy, mostly acoustic, 7th track from Richie Sambora's second solo album. It talks about the reality, the frustrations of everyone's normal life. But what really matter at the end of the day is LOVE, and love will keep us going.

So be loving, be tough!


Richie Sambora - Undiscovered Soul (1998)




Lyrics:
Life is a road
Forever winding where it leads us
I don't know
In it together for better or worse
Searching for our pal of gold

Time leaves a trail
Of broken hearts
So many arrows
Just keep missing their mark
Baby, that ain't us

Nothing else matters
When you're in it for love
Together we can only go higher
You can reach any rainbow
You're dreaming of

Nothing else matters at all
When you're in it for love, baby
Yeah, we'll share in the laughter
Share in the tears
And the promises we keep

Life can be crazy
Love can be cruel
But it's always been
A two way street

You try and give it
All you have to give
So many people
Don't know how to forgive
Baby, that ain't us

Nothing else matters
When you're in it for love
Together we can only go higher
You can reach any rainbow
You're dreaming of
Nothing else matters at all
When you're in it for love, baby

You try and give it
All you have to give
So many people
Don't know how to forgive
Baby, that ain't us

Nothing else matters
When you're in it for love
Together we can only go higher
You can reach any rainbow
You're dreaming of

Nothing else matters at all
When you're in it for love, baby
When you're in it for love, baby
In it for love

When you're in it for love, baby
When you're in it for love, baby
When you're in it for love, baby
In it for love
Read more...

Bjork - I Can't Help Loving That Man (Gling-Glo)

Bjork performs jazz? Yes, and she does it well! This acoustic and jazz set of Bjork really surprised me when I heard them back in early 2000s. The album Gling-Glo consists of most Icelandic songs and two English songs Ruby Baby, and I Can't Help Loving That Man.

Well, some may not like her screaming and shrieking approach in this album, but I find it kind of fresh! She's telling you that with her vocal that Jazz can be sung that way~~~

Here is one of the two English songs in the album that I'd like to recommend to you. Cheers!


Someone uploaded this live gig version, enjoy!


Bjork - Glig-glo (1990)

Lyrics:
Fish got to swim, birds got to fly
I got to love one man 'til I die
Can't help loving that man of mine

Maybe he's lazy, maybe he's slow
Maybe I'm crazy, maybe I know
Can't help loving that man of mine

And when he's away
That's a rainy day
But when he's back
The day is fine, the sun will shine
He can stay out as long as can be
For without him ain't no home for me
Can't help loving that man of mine
Show me....

Oh, fish got to swim, birds got to fly
I got to love one man 'til I die
Can't help loving that man of mine
Maybe he's crazy, maybe he's slow
Maybe I'm crazy, maybe I know
Can't help loving that man of mine

And when he's away
That's a rainy day
But when he's back
The day is fine, the sun will shine
He can stay out as long as can be
For without him ain't no home for me
Can't help loving that man of mine
Can't help loving, loving that man of mine
Can't help....help....help
Loving that man....man....man
Man of mine....mine....mine
I just can't help
Read more...

Lisa Ekdahl - Daybreak (Sings Salvadore Poe)

I found this used CD from a wonderful place called MUSIC EXCHANGE, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. This album is a beautiful husband and wife thing. Salvadore Poe, the husband, writes and harmonises the songs for his wife Lisa Ekdahl, who has an angelic voice that goes well with the music.

She's not the typical jazz/bossa nova vocalist that most people will like I guess... but I fell in love with her voice and music right after I listened to it in the store, and this perfect condition CD costed me for just 13 Malaysian Ringgit (3.6 USD back then).

So let's start with the first song: Daybreak, from the album to brighten up your day~



Lisa Ekdahl's official website: lisaekdahl.com/


Lisa Ekdahl - Sings Salvadore Poe (2000)

Lyrics:
Daybreak
And the moon's still floating high
What a wonderful surprise
I close my eyes
And dream of you

I'm dreaming at daybreak
And the world's so far behind
That's why i always find at daybreak
I'm still dreaming of you

You're from above
My one and only love
There's no other

At daybreak
All i want is you forever
That's why it's true whenever daybreaks
I'm still dreaming of you

More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmania.com/daybreak_lyrics_lisa_ekdahl.html
All about Lisa Ekdahl: http://www.musictory.com/music/Lisa+Ekdahl
Read more...

Kiko Loureiro - Anastácia (Universo Inverso)

They say Kiko Loureiro should be arrested for being too good! Some say he's a jazz guy who plays heavy metal guitars... Well, this Brazilian guitar virtuoso is simply fantastic at blending all sorts of musical elements in his solos. He's got it all: music sense, song writing and guitar skills, and most importantly he nailed them!

Anyway, Universo Inverso is Kiko's solo album and nothing related to Angra. In fact I wasn't aware of Angra until I heard Kiko's solo work. Anastácia is the very first piece of music that introduced Kiko Loureiro to me.

From breezy easy guitar intro to energetic jazz improvisation, the quartet blends so well together giving each other their best in this progressive, Brazilian, fusion format. I especially love the piano part in this tune, because it makes me feel like going to the pub in town, sit down, unwind and have some drinks with a bunch of good friends!

Bravo Kiko! You guys rock!

Album recording


Kiko performed Anastácia live on Bem Brasil


Universo Inverso
Read more...

Sotte Bosse - 瞳がほほえむから (From The Smiling Eyes)

No, I don't understand a word of Japanese though I can read Kanji (Chinese characters). But that's the beauty of good music because they always break the boundaries of nationalities, languages, culture... All you have to do is sit back and feel it.



I found Sotte Bosse on Youtube, and the first song I listened to is 太陽のキス (Kiss of The Sun, which is a feel good song too!). Then I bought their Moment album from HMV Singapore. Right now From The Smiling Eyes is my favourite Sotte Bosse song. It's a cheerful song in bossa nova and J-Pop style, and as I said, you don't need to understand Japanese language in order to appreciate it, 'cuz you'll fall in love with the beat and melody right away!

As a graphic designer, I love the consistent style of their album and music video graphics, simple and delightful!


Sotte Bosse - Moment (2007)


Lyrics (with google translation. An accurate translation will be very much appreciated!):

ねえ この世に生まれて最初の朝に何が見えたの?
今 その輝きであなただけを見つめている

一面に咲いた菜の花の色 ほら拍手のように揺れてる

迷った遥かな日々 涙じゃなく力にして
あふれる想いを今こそ果てなく抱きしめて

ねえ 憶えてますか めぐり逢いはいたずらだよね
でも 遠い痛みもいつか愛の強さになる

歩き出す肩にとまる光が 二人やさしさへみちびく

感じて あたりまえの、ありったけの心の声
さわって くりかえす明日を乗り越えてゆくのね

うれしい あなただけが私だけをさがしていた
見つめて ふたつの瞳に言葉はいらないの

ほら 瞳に映るあなたが今ほほえむから…

Google translation:
The first morning I saw what hey are born into this world?
You are looking at the glow that only now

You know I shake like a clap of Rapeseed blooms on one side color

Every day to force a far astray tears Janaku
Now is full of thoughts a result Hug

Do you remember Hey I Love Affair It's not naughty
The strength of love will also come in a distant but painful

Kindness leads to two stops of light to start walking shoulder

Obvious feeling, as much as the voice of heart
Overcoming the die tomorrow I touched repeatedly

I was just looking happy Only you
Two eyes staring words is unnecessary

Reflected in the smiling eyes right now ... hey
Read more...

Arcade Fire - Wake Up (Funeral)

I heard Wake Up for the first time on Where The Wild Things Are movie trailer, and it gave me goosebumps right away. No information were given regarding the background music back then, and this song isn't part of the Where The Wild Things Are OST...

Guess what, I wasn't alone when come to looking for who the hell is/are the singer/band behind this. Finally someone posted the question on Yahoo! Answers and got it answered.

It's the Canadian indie rock band Arcade Fire consists of 8 talented multi-instrumentalists! This song is recorded in their first full album Funeral in 2004. They also recorded an alternate version, and live acoustic version for the movie Where The Wild Things Are.





Live!



Funeral (2004) by Arcade Fire

Lyrics:
Somethin' filled up
my heart with nothin',
someone told me not to cry.

But now that I'm older,
my heart's colder,
and I can see that it's a lie.

Children wake up,
hold your mistake up,
before they turn the summer into dust.

If the children don't grow up,
our bodies get bigger but our hearts get torn up.
We're just a million little gods causin' rain storms turnin' every good thing to
rust.

I guess we'll just have to adjust.

With my lightnin' bolts a glowin'
I can see where I am goin' to be
when the reaper he reaches and touches my hand.

With my lightnin' bolts a glowin'
I can see where I am goin’
With my lightnin' bolts a glowin'
I can see where I am, go-go, where I am

You'd better look out below

Ooh, I just love the lyrics! Read more...

Libera - Far Away (Angel Voices)

Music by Takatsugu Muramatsu; Words by Robert Prizeman.



I was introduced to Libera by a friend. He recommended me Libera's Sanctus because it sampled Bach's Canon in D. Sanctus sounded "OK" to me but I was quite into the boys' voice already after listening to it.

So I googled and youtubed around and found Far Away, which quickly become my favourite song of Libera. Personally, I think Libera is kinda like Christian choir, but it doesn't matter at all whether they are or not as their music really brings peace and calm to me whenever I listen to them, and that's the beauty of their work!

I don't know how to explain this as I'm not a Christian, but I can feel the religious resonance in this song. I just like it so much, bravo boys!

Libera's official website: libera.org.uk/





Lyrics:
Wherever I go
Far away and anywhere

Time after time you always shine
through dark of night calling after me

And whereever I climb
Far away and anywhere

You raise me high beyond the sky
through stormy night lifting me above

Venite Spiritu et emitte caelitus
Venite Spiritu et emitte caelitus
Venite Spiritu Venite Spiri tus

Whenever I cry
Far away and anywhere

You hear me call when shadows fall
your light of hope showing me the way
Read more...

Extreme - When I First Kissed You (Pornograffitti)

Alright folks, here's my favourite, the most underrated, versatile rock band -- Extreme! Making mostly hard rock music and got famous of everlasting acoustic love song "More Than Words" don't mean that's all they can offer musically.

Rock, Heavy Metal, Funk, Folk, Jazz, Pop, Fusion... you name it, and I've wondered if I should call them "rock band"?

So, apart from More Than Words, I'd love to introduce to you this Jazzy, Frank Sinatra style tune, When I First Kissed You, from the very same album Pornograffitti.


Hmmm... what a performance~

Extreme's official website: extreme-band.com


Pornograffitti by Extreme (1990)

Lyrics:
New York City can be so pretty
From a bird's eye view
Because up there
Yeah, that's where I first kissed you
A modern day romance
A perfect performance
Acting like two fools
Saying silly things
Whisper sweet nothings
Live young lovers only do

I was shaking
You were breathtaking
Like the Empire State
My voice was so far
Not quite Sinatra
Singing songs so great
The clock struck one
The night still very young
In the city that never sleeps
Then a whirlwind blew
When I first kissed you
nearly swept me
Swept me off my feet

When I first kissed you
That's when I knew
I was in love

Because up there
Yeah, that's where
I first kissed you Read more...

Hard Romantic - All The Love in The World (featuring Liam O'Kane)

This is a song I heard on SHOUTcast radio back in 2006. I always tune into HAPPYDAY NEW AGE RADIO through Winamp SHOUTcast at night especially when I need a break from the ever rushing design projects. The easy listening new age music broadcasted by HAPPYDAY has helped me going through many crazy nights of hard works.

There was a night when I was lying on sofa in office to take a nap before I carried on with the design works, I heard this soothing tune, which really had my mine and body relaxed deeper than ever. I was so tired then but still, I get up right away to jot down the info.

There were very limited information about the band Hard Romantic, all I know is that they're from Tokyo, Japan, categorised under genres such as New Age, Nu-Jazz, Electronica, and Ambient. All their albums available from Amazon are kinda pricey as they are all imported version CDs.

The vocalist, Liam O'kane, from England, is famous of his vocal works with St. Philip's Boys' Choir (aka Angel Voices and Libera). Now, he is with his own band Jimmy the Squirrel gigging over England.

Here are some web pages of the band and singer you may refer to:
Hard Romantic on myspace: www.myspace.com/hardromantic
Liam O'Kane on myspace: myspace.com/liamokanemusic
Jimmy The Squirrel on myspace: myspace.com/jimmythesquirrel



Finally, I hope this song has the same effect on you that it's gonna soothe you, bring you greater calm, or at least reduce your anxiety. Relax and enjoy!


This song is featured in Sincerely by Hard Romantic

Lyrics:
Your life has been a mess
You'll fall apart unless you change direction
'Cos undernearth the show
Don't think that I don't know
You crave affection

All the love in the world
That's what i have for you
All the love in the world
That's what I've got for you

Sometimes I wonder why
The underdog is either cursed or made to pay
It's indefensible
Even contemptible
But everybody, everybody has their day

All the love in the world
That's what i have for you
All the love in the world
That's what I've got for you

You've waited years
Was is all in vain?
All those tears
You always felt the same
Someone else to blame
It's a losing game

All the love in the world
That's what i have for you
All the love in the world
That's what I've got for you Read more...

SORE - Silly Little Thing (featuring Atilia Haron)

This is a sweet and lovely song by an Indonesian band: SORE, featuring Malaysian singer and songwriter, Atilia Haron. The song was released in 2011, can be found on both SORE's Sombrero Kiddos EP and Atilia's Indah (indah means beautiful or picturesque in Bahasa) album.

SORE on myspace
Atilia's official website: atilia.us

Lyrics:
Raining out on Sunday
A lazy funny calm day
Laying down on some fun times as well

You slowly come to my sense
Our time has come to be friends
The sun is sliding up for some love dance

You are so fine
(Just like) eveybody’s waltzing watching the raindrops
Silly little thing that you are

And I’m so glad you’re mine..
(You make me) Walking on side arms frolic some sweet flaunts
Silly little thing that you are

Silly little thing that you are boy
Fancy everything that you’ve got dear
Every little thing you desire’s waiting for you

So now the fun is out there
Such a flaming escapade
The sun is setting up for the game to play

Raining out on Sunday
Lazy funny calm day
The moon is sliding out for some more love dance
Read more...

Kina Grannis - Valentine (Stairwell)

This is my first post to start sharing some feel good music with you, and I choose the cute, multi-talented Kina Grannis who writes and sings with sincerity.

I got to know Kina Grannis from a local paper and ordered this wonderful album June 24th, 2001 through her official website (kinagrannis.com). It reached Malaysian custom and was released on June 28th, kinda efficient huh?

Yeah!


It's autographed :-)


Track listings. Apart from her original songs, I also love the cover songs she did in the bonus disc, especially The Sound of Silence (Simon and Garfunkel).

This is her first full length album featuring lotsa great easy listening songs, and with Kina's comforting voice, trust me, it's gonna make your day!

Here's the featured song "Valentine" from the album with it's creative official music video (HD). Enjoy~


Lyrics:
Love, it's a special day
We should celebrate and appreciate
That you and me found something pretty neat
And I know some say this day is arbitrary

But it's a good excuse, put our love to use
Baby, I know what to do
Baby, I...
I will love you
I'll love you, I'll love you

Love, I don't need those things
I don't need no ring
I don't need anything
But you with me
'Cause in your company
I feel happy, oh so happy and complete

And it's a good excuse, put our love to use
Baby, I know what to do
Baby, I...
I will love you
I'll love you, I'll love you

Yeah, it's a good excuse, put our love to use
Baby, I know what to do
Baby, I...
I will love you
I'll love you, I'll love you

So won't you be my honey bee?
Giving me kisses all the time
Be mine, be my Valentine

So won't you be my honey bee?
Giving sweet kisses all the time
Be mine, be my Valentine

Oh, be my Valentine

Read more...