Browsing Tag spoken word
Wildcard (week 4):
Tom Jones – Talking Reality Television Blues
Tom Jones may be 80 years of age, after 58 years in the business he is still as relevant as ever. From It’s Not Unusual to Kiss to Sex Bomb, he always had a good nose for the musical trends. In that respect, it might seem odd that he’s chosen to record a covers album as his next project. The long-player, Surrounded By Time, will be out on 23 April. It features songs by Cat Stevens, Michael Kiwanuka, Tony Joe White and Bob Dylan.
Jones’ new single however, is a remake of Todd Snider’s Talking Reality Television Blues. But it’s unrecognizable. Snider’s version, only from 2019, was a two and a half minutes short country song. Jones stretches it out over six and a half minutes. His version has almost a Stone Roses drum shuffle, a Beck-like blues guitar and a Bob Dylan-style vocal. Other influences appear to come from acts like Baz Luhrmann, Radiohead and Public Service Broadcasting. Brilliant lyrics as well, by the way.
This week, Talking Reality Television Blues by Tom Jones is the Carte Blanche Music Wildcard, so you’ll find it at the top of the blog for a whole week!
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In the Wildcards 2021 playlist you’ll find all of this year’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcards so far.
Music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Has been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, he developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.
Soak feat. Gemma Doherty – I’m Alive
To be honest, I don’t often listen to song lyrics. I like a song when I like the whole package: instruments, rhythm, voice, melody… all of the elements that make the song at first listen. But one way or another, for me the lyrics come at a later stage (if at all).
Don’t ask me why, but that’s all different with spoken word songs. These appear to draw my attention directly to the lyrics. You want examples? Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen) by Baz Luhrmann, for instance. Or Car Radio by Twenty One Pilots. And now, there’s this new one…
I’m Alive is a collaboration between Soak (Northern Irish singer-songwriter Bridie Monds-Watson) and Gemma Doherty (of alt-pop duo Saint Sister). It’s based upon a poem written and performed by Monds-Watson, with gentle and gripping backing instrumentals provided by Doherty.
The collaboration was overseen by Irish photographer Ellius Grace, who also directed the accompanying short film. He explains: “I’m Alive is a short film about being mindful of the small joys and blessings around you. It’s about slowing down and taking stock of the things that often go unnoticed. (…) I hope to remind you of the beautiful experiences that anyone can have no matter their situation.”
For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.
Music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Has been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, he developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.
