Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Toofer Toosday: Death Cab For Cutie and Bon Iver
Hello friends! Toofer Toosday is back and today I have two songs that are a few years old. Not oldies, really, but before you know it, these songs will be playing at your favorite dentist's office. Actually, I hope not.
This first one is "I Will Follow You Into The Dark" by Death Cab For Cutie. I first heard this song when Ben Gibbard, the lead singer and main songwriter, played it on one of those late nite talk shows. No band, just him. On the album it's pretty sparse, too. Might as well be a Ben Gibbard solo track. But I liked it just the same, learned it that night, but never recorded it until today. Enjoy.
Next up is "Skinny Love" by Justin Vernon a.k.a Bon Iver. He seems to go by both names when he is credited on other works, collaborations, and side projects like Volcano Choir, Gayngs, DeYarmond Edison, etc... He gets around. Anyway, this was the first song I heard of his, and I love it. Even all the nonsensical lyrics. I changed it up a bit because I did not feel like singing in falsetto all night. I prefer the lower register, thank you.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
American Hearts (A.A. Bondy)
Welcome, Friends! It's been so long since I've posted any songs, and it's about time I resurrected Toofer Toosday. So here's two songs I recorded and posted on a Tuesday night. Simple as that. If you happen to be reading this far, feel free to join in and let me know if there's a song you'd like to hear me attempt to cover. Just post a comment below, and I'll do the best I can!
But for now, I will cover whatever songs I want. First up: "American Hearts" by A.A. Bondy. He's a folky/americana singer/sonwriter type that many pegged as the latest "New Dylan" a few years ago. Granted, he does play acoustic with mad harmonica solos thrown in, so he has that sound. But why does this "New Dylan" thing have to be thrown around. Let's keep the pressure off this guy for now and just enjoy his albums. He's really good!
Anyway, here is my version of one of his best, thought-provoking tunes. It could be said that this is a political, anti-war piece, which maybe true, but I think there's a little more to it than that. Take a listen and see what you think!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Heaven (Derek Webb)
Here's a cover of Derek Webb's "Heaven," which is one of my favorite tracks from his 2009 art/glitch pop album "Stockholm Syndrome". Like many of his songs, this one seemed to go vastly unnoticed by the general CCM community, for lack of a better term. This is neither the time or the place to get into the various reasons why, but the main reason was simple misunderstanding. It's just not as straight-forward as most "Christian" music singles. Hint: It's not actually about heaven. Nonetheless, it's great song, and I like playing it. Enjoy!
Monday, January 14, 2013
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Tomorrow Is A Long Time (Bob Dylan)
Tomorrow Is A Long Time (Bob Dylan) by snewjackswing1983
Another classic Dylan love song. Simple, yet heartbreaking. Best versions of this song are on the official bootlegs. One of them is a piano version. Maybe I'll try my hand at playing Dylan on the piano one of these days...
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Let Me Die In My Footsteps (Bob Dylan)
Let Me Die In My Footsteps by snewjackswing1983
Hey Everybody! It's been such a long time since I've posted any songs on here. So, here's some songs! Bob Dylan songs! Hooray!
To start things of is one of those classic tunes of his that somehow is still applicable to life today. At least in my opinion, it is. Hey government: Stop telling me what to do. Stop fighting stupid war. I'll live till I die. I'll die how I want. With my boots on! So there.
(Also, for any of you familiar with this song, I changed the states in the verse to the ones I've actually lived in. Except for one. If you can name the incorrect one, you get a prize!)
Hey Everybody! It's been such a long time since I've posted any songs on here. So, here's some songs! Bob Dylan songs! Hooray!
To start things of is one of those classic tunes of his that somehow is still applicable to life today. At least in my opinion, it is. Hey government: Stop telling me what to do. Stop fighting stupid war. I'll live till I die. I'll die how I want. With my boots on! So there.
(Also, for any of you familiar with this song, I changed the states in the verse to the ones I've actually lived in. Except for one. If you can name the incorrect one, you get a prize!)
Mama, You Been On My Mind (Bob Dylan)
Mama, You Been On My Mind by snewjackswing1983
I just love this song. Whether to a new lover or perhaps an old friend... just a simple reminder that you're being thought of, prayed for, and there's nothing you've done, or can do, to change that.
Also, I get a kick from playing harmonica with my guitar. I need to get better.
I just love this song. Whether to a new lover or perhaps an old friend... just a simple reminder that you're being thought of, prayed for, and there's nothing you've done, or can do, to change that.
Also, I get a kick from playing harmonica with my guitar. I need to get better.
Farewell, Angelina (Bob Dylan)
Farewell, Angelina by snewjackswing1983
Here's a song about... well, I'm not completely sure, but it has some awesome verses. See if you can find the one about playing cards!
All joking aside, I really like this song. It has a soothing, yet sad, sound. I don't know if Angelina was a lover or friend, but something's wrong and it's time to go.
Here's a song about... well, I'm not completely sure, but it has some awesome verses. See if you can find the one about playing cards!
All joking aside, I really like this song. It has a soothing, yet sad, sound. I don't know if Angelina was a lover or friend, but something's wrong and it's time to go.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Wide Open Road (Johnny Cash)
Wide Open Road (Johnny Cash) by snewjackswing1983
Hello everyone. It's Johnny Cash Week!
Why not? Actually, it's not an official holiday (though maybe it should be?) I was just listening through my collection of Cash's Sun Records recordings and began to play a long. Then, the thought hit me that I hadn't updated my all-important bloggynet dot com page in quite some time. So here a four version of Johnny Cash songs. Perhaps not his super-hits, but a few good oldies.
To start things off, here is a version of "Wide Open Road." I've only heard this one on compilations and such, as I've never found the album on which this first appeared. It was put out as a single in 1964. There were so many issues of his albums though so it might pop up on the albums "Orange Blossom Special," "Mean as Hell," or even "Everybody Loves A Nut." (Remember THAT one?)
Hello everyone. It's Johnny Cash Week!
Why not? Actually, it's not an official holiday (though maybe it should be?) I was just listening through my collection of Cash's Sun Records recordings and began to play a long. Then, the thought hit me that I hadn't updated my all-important bloggynet dot com page in quite some time. So here a four version of Johnny Cash songs. Perhaps not his super-hits, but a few good oldies.
To start things off, here is a version of "Wide Open Road." I've only heard this one on compilations and such, as I've never found the album on which this first appeared. It was put out as a single in 1964. There were so many issues of his albums though so it might pop up on the albums "Orange Blossom Special," "Mean as Hell," or even "Everybody Loves A Nut." (Remember THAT one?)
I Still Miss Someone (Johnny Cash)
I Still Miss Someone (Johnny Cash) by snewjackswing1983
I've always liked the simplicity of this song. Of course, that could be said of many Johnny Cash songs; he never went crazy with his arrangements. But I like how the chorus is sung only once, and the songs ends after the second verse (or stanza, depending on how you like to name parts of songs), as if to say "yep, that's it. She's long gone and there's nothin' more to sing."
My favorite version of this song is the live recording on the classic "At Folsom Prison" album (1968).
I've always liked the simplicity of this song. Of course, that could be said of many Johnny Cash songs; he never went crazy with his arrangements. But I like how the chorus is sung only once, and the songs ends after the second verse (or stanza, depending on how you like to name parts of songs), as if to say "yep, that's it. She's long gone and there's nothin' more to sing."
My favorite version of this song is the live recording on the classic "At Folsom Prison" album (1968).
Hey Porter! (Johnny Cash)
Hey Porter! (Johnny Cash) by snewjackswing1983
I'll admit I didn't really know this song very well as I attempted to record it, and as a result, I rushed a few of the lines. Cash himself sings it so effortlessly; all those long lines just roll off the tongue somehow. I like the words in this song though, make me want to drive (or maybe I should take a train) through the Smokey Mountains. Also, since it's that time of year, it made me think of SEC football! Georgia Bulldogs!
I'll admit I didn't really know this song very well as I attempted to record it, and as a result, I rushed a few of the lines. Cash himself sings it so effortlessly; all those long lines just roll off the tongue somehow. I like the words in this song though, make me want to drive (or maybe I should take a train) through the Smokey Mountains. Also, since it's that time of year, it made me think of SEC football! Georgia Bulldogs!
Cry Cry Cry (Johnny Cash)
Cry Cry Cry (Johnny Cash) by snewjackswing1983
Another one of his earlier tunes. This one appeared on his very first album, "Johnny Cash With His Hot and Blue Guitar!" It was also his very first single ("Hey Porter" was the B-Side). Enjoy.
Another one of his earlier tunes. This one appeared on his very first album, "Johnny Cash With His Hot and Blue Guitar!" It was also his very first single ("Hey Porter" was the B-Side). Enjoy.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Hurt (Johnny Cash, Trent Reznor)
Hurt (Johnny Cash, Trent Reznor) by snewjackswing1983
It's taken me a long time to get a Johnny Cash song up here. Maybe I should do a a whole Johnny Cash week?
This is still one of my favorites to play. After you finish listening to this one, go watch the video for Johnny Cash's version. If you don't get goosebumps by the end, you're probably not human...
It's taken me a long time to get a Johnny Cash song up here. Maybe I should do a a whole Johnny Cash week?
This is still one of my favorites to play. After you finish listening to this one, go watch the video for Johnny Cash's version. If you don't get goosebumps by the end, you're probably not human...
Sunday, August 14, 2011
On A Good Day (Joanna Newsom)
On A Good Day - Joanna Newsom by snewjackswing1983
ok ok ok ok ok... I've been hearing and reading about Joanna Newsom for a long long time, but it's been just recently that I've really listened to her music. In fact, it was last Sunday that I came across a video of her short but sweet appearance on Dave Letterman's late night talk show (the episode originally aired sometime in 2010, I think...). I could give a list of reasons why it made such an impression on me, but in short, she's an amazing songwriter and obviously quite a talent at her instrument, which is harp by the way.
Many a critic and reviewer have said plenty about her singing voice and how it may be an acquired taste. To each his own, but it took all of two seconds for me to acquire it. In the words of Dave himself, "absolutely lovely." (Go do a youtube search of the video and watch it. now! I said do iiiiitttt)
So this was the first song of Newsom's that I ever heard, and I've been immersing myself into her music this past week. Lots and lots of material, but it's all so so so good... Smiles all around, everyone!
ok ok ok ok ok... I've been hearing and reading about Joanna Newsom for a long long time, but it's been just recently that I've really listened to her music. In fact, it was last Sunday that I came across a video of her short but sweet appearance on Dave Letterman's late night talk show (the episode originally aired sometime in 2010, I think...). I could give a list of reasons why it made such an impression on me, but in short, she's an amazing songwriter and obviously quite a talent at her instrument, which is harp by the way.
Many a critic and reviewer have said plenty about her singing voice and how it may be an acquired taste. To each his own, but it took all of two seconds for me to acquire it. In the words of Dave himself, "absolutely lovely." (Go do a youtube search of the video and watch it. now! I said do iiiiitttt)
So this was the first song of Newsom's that I ever heard, and I've been immersing myself into her music this past week. Lots and lots of material, but it's all so so so good... Smiles all around, everyone!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Won't Let Go (David Bazan)
Won't Let Go (David Bazan) by snewjackswing1983
Welcome to the latest, uh, "webisodecast" of Toofer Toosday! Except I'm sharing FOUR new jamz and it's a Saturday... so I guess today is a Foorfer Foorterday! (sheesh.)
Okay, so first up is a cover of yet another David Bazan song. I recently saw him perform in Denton, TX and it was neat-o to the max! I would spend some time typing about how great Bazan is, but the people who actually visit this blog (all seven of you! Hi mom!) should already be aware of that. This is a pretty mellow song, so I'm not really kickin' off with a bang, but it's a goodie. Oh, and I actually recorded it on electric guitar. I'm going insane.
Welcome to the latest, uh, "webisodecast" of Toofer Toosday! Except I'm sharing FOUR new jamz and it's a Saturday... so I guess today is a Foorfer Foorterday! (sheesh.)
Okay, so first up is a cover of yet another David Bazan song. I recently saw him perform in Denton, TX and it was neat-o to the max! I would spend some time typing about how great Bazan is, but the people who actually visit this blog (all seven of you! Hi mom!) should already be aware of that. This is a pretty mellow song, so I'm not really kickin' off with a bang, but it's a goodie. Oh, and I actually recorded it on electric guitar. I'm going insane.
Till Kingdom Come (Coldplay)
Till Kingdom Come (Coldplay) by snewjackswing1983
I've mentioned on here before about how I don't really like Coldplay much, but they have a few gems. This is one of them. Originally written for Johnny Cash (supposedly. Sadly he passed away before he was able to record the vocals), which would have been incredibly awesome. As any who've heard it knows, Coldplay's version mimics the Cash's sound on his American Recordings with Rick Rubin... lots of sustained, low piano notes 'n' such. Anway, here's MY version, so to speak. In the words of Reese Roper: I hope you hate it.
I've mentioned on here before about how I don't really like Coldplay much, but they have a few gems. This is one of them. Originally written for Johnny Cash (supposedly. Sadly he passed away before he was able to record the vocals), which would have been incredibly awesome. As any who've heard it knows, Coldplay's version mimics the Cash's sound on his American Recordings with Rick Rubin... lots of sustained, low piano notes 'n' such. Anway, here's MY version, so to speak. In the words of Reese Roper: I hope you hate it.
The Luckiest (Ben Folds)
The Luckiest (Ben Folds) by snewjackswing1983
I remember listening to Ben Folds' "Rockin' The Suburbs" almost nonstop during high-school study halls. Ah, algebra homework... so many memories... Anyway, it was an enjoyable album, but I eventually became tired of his constant profanities on otherwise cheerful tunes. "The Luckiest" is really the only song from that album that has withstood the test of time; a lovely little love song originally meant for a piano, but I don't have my piano yet!
I remember listening to Ben Folds' "Rockin' The Suburbs" almost nonstop during high-school study halls. Ah, algebra homework... so many memories... Anyway, it was an enjoyable album, but I eventually became tired of his constant profanities on otherwise cheerful tunes. "The Luckiest" is really the only song from that album that has withstood the test of time; a lovely little love song originally meant for a piano, but I don't have my piano yet!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Lippy Kids (Elbow)
Stephen Berry - Lippy Kids (Elbow) by StephenBerry
Elbow. One of the best bands today. If you haven't heard them, I urge you to check out their Mercury Prize winning album "The Seldom Seen Kid," especially if you can find the videos for their live performance at Abbey Road with the BBC Orchestra. Fantastic. Anyway, this is the title track, so to speak, of their new album, "Build A Rocket Boys!" about the grandness and promises and innocence of childhood. I have not the silky-smooth voice of Guy Garvey, but then again, no one does. Also, I'm not from Manchester...
(whistle, whistle)
Elbow. One of the best bands today. If you haven't heard them, I urge you to check out their Mercury Prize winning album "The Seldom Seen Kid," especially if you can find the videos for their live performance at Abbey Road with the BBC Orchestra. Fantastic. Anyway, this is the title track, so to speak, of their new album, "Build A Rocket Boys!" about the grandness and promises and innocence of childhood. I have not the silky-smooth voice of Guy Garvey, but then again, no one does. Also, I'm not from Manchester...
(whistle, whistle)
Coney Island (Good Old War)
Stephen Berry - Coney Island (Good Old War) by StephenBerry
Good Old War is a fun little band from Philadelphia. Their sound is just like sitting around a campfire with acoustic guitars and marshmallows. This particular song probably has more meaning for the guy that wrote it (I've never been to Coney Island), but it's a blast to play and sing. I will say it has some personal meaning to me, too... love/hate relationships with all the various places I've lived, etc... Enjoy.
Good Old War is a fun little band from Philadelphia. Their sound is just like sitting around a campfire with acoustic guitars and marshmallows. This particular song probably has more meaning for the guy that wrote it (I've never been to Coney Island), but it's a blast to play and sing. I will say it has some personal meaning to me, too... love/hate relationships with all the various places I've lived, etc... Enjoy.
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