...music
artists a-l / artists m-z / annoying songs / concerts seen in 1999-2002
Here's a list of musicians whose music I like. This is obviously not an exhaustive list, but this is pretty representative of what I listen to. If I've been so inclined, I've added some explanatory notes to each and maybe a website link if I could find one.
- Aimee Mann
- A great songwriter who has a cool voice. Her album Whatever is one of my top-five CDs of all time, and it has an incredible number of memories attached to it. She's just released her third album, entitled "Bachelor No. 2 (or, the last remains of the dodo)" and it's totally awesome.
songwriting.com/aimeemann/ - Barenaked Ladies
- Of the few guy bands that I like (and believe me, this is not intentional -- I simply relate better to music written and performed by women) -- BNL is my favourite. They are so obviously having fun making music, and they make me feel very happy.
www.RepriseRec.com/barenakedladies/Pages/main.html - Dar Williams
- A folk singer-songwriter who has an uncanny knack for writing lyrics that can express feelings that you know you've felt before, but you were never able to verbalize.
www.pobox.com/~dar/
me and dar williams at lilith fair vancouver, august 1998 - Emm Gryner
- Toronto-based singer/songwriter/producer, who has, thus far, had a colourful music career. First she released her debut album, Original Leap Year, and was then signed to Mercury Records, where she released Public. Mercury dropped her when the huge merger went through, and her third album, Science Fair, was released without much fanfare. It's a record made on a budget, but she demonstrates no shortage of musical talent. In the summer of 2000 she released an album of previously-unreleased material entitled Dead Relatives, and in 2001 followed up with an ambitious covers album entitled Girl Versions, featuring her covers of various heavy metal standards like Ozzy Osbourne's Crazy Train. Check her out.
emmgryner.com
www.aquezada.com/headline-girl (mailing list homepage)
a funny cartoon by emm - Indigo Girls
- Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have been playing together for over fifteen years, and they're still solid. I personally prefer Emily's songs, but their clashing personalities, influences and styles work well together. Very singable tunes, and they put on a great live show.
www.indigogirls.com - James Taylor
- James Taylor - my throwback to the 70's makes a reappearance, having recently released a new album. But I still like his old stuff -- I grew up with it, as my mom listened so such favourites as "Carolina" when I was little. So I can't help it, even if he has been subordinated to Muzak in stores. (or worse, Kenny G renditions being played in the lobby of my office building *shudder*)
www.westworld.com/~gregb/jtindex.html - Jessica Weiser
- This is biased, because she's a friend of mine and I used to do her website :) Jess started out as a singer/pianist who learned how to play guitar in a really short time, and is now an excellent singer/songwriter. (She's a wonderful person too :-) )
jessicaweiser.com
aquezada.com/staff/julian/music/freetimes/ - pictures from a concert Jess performed at in Toronto - Joni Mitchell
- Another musician whose music I grew up with. My mom laughs at me nowadays -- "you like Joni Mitchell?", she says -- but it's true, the 70s are back. Just look at the flared pants and platform boots making a comeback, and TV shows like, well, That 70's Show, and you'll see how true it is.
www.jonimitchell.com - Lenni Jabour
- Local talent Lenni Jabour writes wonderful pop songs that sometimes have a bizarre bent, such as one which is sung in a fake British accent. Nevertheless she's quite entertaining and she has some real songwriting gems.
www.lennijabour.com - Lindi
- Another extraordinarily talented local musician who is, no doubt, soon to be discovered and scooped up by a record label. Lindi is probably one of the most inherently talented musicians I have seen in a while; proof of this is the fact that she "just picked" up the piano in under a month, and plays commendably well. An absolutely incredible live performer, she plays venues around Toronto quite frequently -- be sure to catch her before she's discovered by larger crowds.
www.lindi.org - Loreena McKennitt
- There's a sense of elegance about Loreena McKennitt, canada's best-known Celtic/traditional musician. This elegance exists despite her "bringing Celtic music and history to the masses" -- she has not compromised the authenticity of the music in doing so. Loreena McKennitt puts on an awesome live show too -- the same elegance is reflected in the fact that she plays a "programme", not a set-list. Highly recommended.
quinlanroad.com - Madonna
- I grew up hearing a lot of Madonna. In 1984 my next door neighbour Sonja was blasting "Material Girl" and "Papa Don't Preach" on her back porch. In 1992 I was in love with "Cherish". Sadly, I never owned any Madonna records until a few years ago, but I was amazed at how many songs I recognized. Better late than never, though, to piss off my neighbours by cranking The Immaculate Collection
www.madonnaweb.com - Martina Sorbara
- Another local songstress who is multi-talented; not only does she play guitar and piano, but she built her two guitars, designs clothes, and paints as well. Add her to the list of people that make me jealous! Her material is quite diverse, ranging from sweet pop songs to darker numbers, to jazz-influenced riffs.
www.martinasorbara.com
aimee mann
the barenaked ladies
emm gryner and me
(photo credit: rannie turingan)
dar williams
emily saliers and amy ray of the indigo girls
loreena mckennitt