By Ron Powers On Cash Cabin Sessions, Vol. 3 Todd Snider employs the great forms of Folk, Blues, and Country to frame his views on life, love, and politics. Using bare-bone arrangements, Snider continues in the centuries-old tradition of American Roots music and brings us a collection of picture-perfect songs. The first thing that struck me about Cash Cabin was its parallels to Bob Dylan’s second studio album The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. At times, Snider’s vocal is strikingly similar to Dylan’s. Snider also has a wit and charm which bears a resemblance. These similarities feel much less like mimicry though. It’s more a case of being cut from the same cloth. Cash Cabin begins with a tune called “Working on a Song”. Here, Snider poetically expresses the often heartbreaking experience of chasing a dream. This song’s emotional impact is largely expressed through the way Snider sings it. There’s a touching vulnerability to his delivery. You almost hear tears welling up as he sings the lines. Next, we hear a more playful song called “Talking Reality Television Blues”. This is one of my favorites off the LP. Here, Snider takes us on an abbreviated journey through the history of Television and makes a thought-provoking connection between it and the current state of American politics. It’s songs like these that put Todd Snider in the rare class of musicians who actually have something to say. Cash Cabin isn’t just a quaint collection of well written tunes. At times it’s as if nature herself is possessing Snider, breathing a message to the world. This is most evident on songs like “A Timeless Response to Current Events”. Here we get a glimpse into the historic knowledge, and social/political insight Snider has. Whether you agree with him or not, you have to hand it to…
By Ron Powers The other day I was listening to the radio and Whitney Houston’s big hit “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” came through the airwaves. It had been a long time since I heard it and I have to tell you it knocked my socks off. This song puts the legendary power of Houston’s voice on full display and is a testament to the long-lasting impact of the singer’s contribution to music. With the attention span shrinking effect that the streaming era has had on music, full bodied pop songs like this have become increasingly rare. It’s incredible how high a song can be lifted by a great middle eight, key change, or outro bridge. Thankfully the artform has been preserved through great artists like Whitney Houston and songs like “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”. To get things started, highly polished synthetic claps and bass drum combined to create a snappy rhythm. This is quickly accompanied by a wobbly synth bass that emits a fun and toe tapping feeling. Additionally, we hear Houston’s silky smooth voice deliver an ad libbed melody just before the music swoops into high gear. As the intro music progresses, zipping synth horns and booming drums fill the speakers, lifting the sound to a full-fledged pop hit. Percussive metallic elements are also sprinkled in to enhance the rhythm section as the music winds toward the first verse. Musical elements are pared down for the verse section and rely centrally on bass and drums. We also hear bursts of synthesizer and percussive elements decorating the verse. All of the instrumentation works together to give plenty of space for Houston’s stellar voice to shine bright. As the verse makes its way to the chorus Whitney sings the lines, “I’ve done alright up ’till now / It’s the…
By Ron Powers I thought it would be fun to highlight a handful of artists from different genres of music that I think will be making waves this year. With over 100,000 new tracks being uploaded to streaming services each day, it can be overwhelming to zero in on just one artist. So, I’ve taken the time to cherry pick four exceptional artists from rock, dance, classical, and pop music. Each of these artists offer quality music that stands out from the pack in their respective styles. The Los Angeles rock band Dead Sara recently caught my attention with a blistering alternative song called “Violent”. After listening I decided to check out much of their other music and found myself jaw dropped by the power and quality of their work. The band consists of vocalist Emily Armstrong, guitarist Siouxsie Medley, and drummer Sean Friday. This power trio have all the makings of a legendary rock band and I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see them become a household name in the near future. Another musician that has impressed me for quite some time is EDM artist G.H. Hat. This multi-genre producer, remixer, composer and performer offers some of the best vocal and Instrumental EDM available today. G.H. Hat’s piano jam series is particularly enjoyable, and his billboard charting hit “I Got A Problem” is one of the catchiest pop songs I’ve ever heard. The scene feels ripe for some big moves from this talented producer and 2024 feels like it might be the year of G.H. Hat in the EDM world. Classical music is an emotionally nourishing genre of music for me, and Pauline Frechette makes some of the best in the business. Her neoclassical originals provide some of the most soothing piano playing and orchestral arrangements to…
By Ron Powers In 1983 Texas blues rockers ZZ Top released a big hit called “Sharp Dressed Man”. With its strutting beat, stylish guitars, and charming vocals the song ran up the charts around the world and filled millions with the cool and confident feeling it exudes. But the power of this song has reached far beyond the 1980s: “Sharp Dressed Man” has garnered hundreds of millions of spins in the streaming era. The song even reentered the Billboard charts in 2020 after the release of the Grammy nominated documentary ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band from Texas. The bearded boys get things started hitting on all cylinders. A full arrangement of drums, guitar, bass guitar, and synth blast through the speakers right from the start. We hear an energizing guitar riff rooted in the blues and rock-n-roll. We hear a tight disco-like drum beat with that iconic dead-room sound from the 1970s. We hear a single note bass line adding depth and power. And to top it all off, we hear that growling synth sound sprinkling magic all over the mix. As the band transitions out of the intro music, drummer Frank Beard leads the way into the verse with a snappy snare fill. This is followed by the raspy and cool sound of Billy Gibbons’ voice delivering a topline melody that mixes with the music to create the rock-n-roll magic that “Sharp Dressed Man” is famous for. Gibbons sings about getting dressed in nice clothes with the intention to impress women. The shallow and fun nature of the lyrics are a big reason why this song works so well. The combination of tough and cool music with the lighthearted lyrics create an experience that simultaneously lifts and stabilizes the spirit. Next, the progression of the song comes full…
By Ron Powers I thought it would be fun to kick off the new year by telling you about a punk rock classic called “Lust For Life”. Iggy Pop and co-writer David Bowie harness all the fun and attitude of rock-n-roll on this 1977 foot stomper. Upon its release, the song reached No. 3 on the Dutch Top 40 and in 2004 Rolling Stone ranked it at No. 149 on their list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time”. Its booming percussion, bouncing bass lines, and charming guitars feel like a party in your ears and a shot of caffeine for your soul. So, if you need a song to kickstart the year, look no further than “Lust For Life”. The song starts with a drum beat that gets the blood pumping before the end of the first measure. Taking inspiration from the rhythm of “You Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes, Iggy Pop adds his own twist with a raw and booming room sound. This adds a bite and snarl to the drum mix and plays a central role in the signature sound of this timeless hit. After a bit of solo drums we hear the growl of the bass and some playful lead guitar deliver additional musical color. This is quickly followed by a touch of mellow Rhodes keyboard and a second guitar that follows the infectious drum and bass rhythm. After a full one minute and eleven seconds of intro music, we hear Iggy’s commanding and confident vocals cut through the mix. He sings the strange and much speculated about lyrics, “Hey man, where’d you get that lotion? / I’ve been hurting since I bought the gimmick / About something called love / Yeah, something called love / Well, that’s like hypnotizing chickens”. Under the attitude…
By Ron Powers The Christmas season is upon us and the immortal Cher has a new Christmas album to help us get into the spirit. The album is called Christmas and I’d like to share a little about the stand out track, “Christmas Ain’t Christmas Without You”. This song has all the trimmings that come with great holiday music and offers a vintage feel with a modern touch. With festive bells, bopping drums, and exciting auto tuned vocals, “Christmas Ain’t Christmas Without You” just might warm your heart and get your butt moving all at once. Like many other holiday songs, this festive tune gets things started with the sound of sleigh bells. This is followed by distant and shimmering synth strings, rich bell sounds, and a snare drum roll that glides into the verse like a sled over freshly fallen snow. With her one of a kind voice, Cher delivers a melody that hits the ears like a holiday classic. Under the vocals we hear bright guitar chords played with a staccato quarter note rhythm giving the song an irresistible fun feeling. Sustained Lead guitar notes layered with Christmas bells are also added to the mix. This creates a deeper feeling amongst the sugary pop arrangement and adds width and height to the music. Next, Cher whisks the listener to the chorus adding string like synth pads and backing vocals processed with generous amounts of reverb. Additional energy is packed in through the faster paced vocal melody giving lift and contrast to the verse. The four-on-the-floor drum beat keeps toes tapping while sprinkles of timpani drums deepen the groove. Finally, a layer of pizzazz is added by way of a crispy horn section giving this new song an old time Phil Spector Christmas vibe. This bump of musical volume…
By Ron Powers The year is winding down and I’ve got just the song to keep your spirits up and hips swaying through the rigmarole of the holidays. With one of the most danceable beats ever pressed to wax, “Fantasy”, by Mariah Carey, sounds as fresh in 2023 as it did the day it hit the airwaves. Upon its release in 1995 the song garnered praise by critics around the world and shot to number 1 on the Billboard charts in the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. “Fantasy” is composed of perfectly catchy melodies, lyrics, and an upbeat feeling that is sure to deliver high spirits and funky fun. The song begins with an arrangement of dreamy synthesizers conveying an almost fairytale-like feeling. Additionally, we hear Carey’s extended melody notes mix with the music deepening the enchanted vibe. As the brief intro draws to a close, a pause in the music opens a space for Mariah’s iconic high-pitched voice to belt out a culminating melody. This is followed by the song’s ultra catchy beat. A beat that’s been making bodies move for nearly three decades now. For the verse music, a three-part melody arrangement composed of overdubs sung by Carey provides not only a snappy hook but an airy and soaring feeling as well. Scat guitar is also sprinkled throughout the music enhancing the funky feeling pulsating around this song. Additionally, snare mixed with claps and thumping kick drum hold down the rhythm of the verse while the bass follows the kick deepening the groove. The verse lyrics feature Carey singing about her boyfriend and expressing how attracted she is to him. With its relatable words and perfectly poppy melody, “Fantasy” has had little trouble connecting with millions around the world. Flowing seamlessly from the verse Carey transitions…
By Ron Powers Halloween is coming up so I thought I’d talk about a song by one of the more spooky bands from the 90s alternative scene. On January 23rd, 1996, The Smashing Pumpkins released “1979” as the second single off their third studio album, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. With its use of loops and samples, the song marks a stylistic pivot from anything previously heard by the band. Singer Billy Corgan wrote the song as a nostalgic homage to his 12-year-old self-transitioning into adolescence. The serene and upbeat sound of “1979” bristles with the feeling of being a kid and reaching out into a world full of new and exciting things to explore. Corgan and the gang begin with a low-fi drum loop textured with metallic sounds that produce a subtle industrial feel. This is followed by the mellow yet bracing guitar work of Corgan and Iha. With quickly played guitar chords and melodic lead line, these brilliant musicians produce a feeling that is simultaneously dark and light. A snappy drum groove, provided by Jimmy Chamberlin, also adds movement and listenability to the music. As a final touch, backing vocals processed with tremolo and reverb effects are added creating a positively ghostly touch to the feeling of “1979”. Once the band establishes a musical base, we hear a hushed and nasal vocal melody from Billy Corgan. Midway through the first verse section, bass guitar is introduced along with a beefed up drum sound that gives the music depth and richness. This is a subtle but impactful musical move that aligns with the flowing ease of the song yet offers a potent experience to anyone paying attention. At the end of the first verse Corgan sings the lines, “With the headlights pointed at the dawn / We were…
By Ron Powers Brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher helped define the music of the 1990s with their rock-n-roll band Oasis. By the mid-90s these legendary Brits had released two hit albums and were probably the biggest band in the world. After producing mega hits like “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back In Anger”, expectations for what would come next from Oasis were high to say the least. It was in this environment that, on July 7th 1997, they released “D’You Know What I Mean?”, the first single off the bands third studio album, Be Here Now. Upon its release, the song reached number one on the UK, Finland, Ireland, and Spain singles charts. Additionally, in October 2016, NME placed it at number 77 on its list of “150 Best Tracks of the Past 15 Years”. “D’You Know What I Mean” begins with a sonic picture that communicates the giant rock-n-roll attitude that Oasis is famous for. First, we hear the sounds of helicopters and airplanes mixed with low volume guitar noise along with the sound of morse code. Next, Noel adds pick scrapes which are run through a wah wah pedal giving a touch of rhythm to the ominous, almost warzone feeling rolling out of the speakers. A cracking drum fill erupts after this and crashes out introducing a new flavor of effect-soaked guitar notes. Additionally bass guitar is added deepening the power and depth of the music. The intro music starts to come into focus when acoustic guitar is layered in delivering the song’s chord structure. Atop the music we hear more drum fills along with singer Liam Gallagher gearing up to deliver the verse with a guttural sound that anybody who has felt the weight of life can understand. After more than a minute of intro music, the first…
By Ron Powers Embracing the heart of summer, let’s dive into a discussion about a timeless song that always sets the perfect mood during this season. Bryan Adams’ “Summer Of ’69” encapsulates the essence of youth and the carefree joy that comes with summer. It remains a delightful experience to roll down the car windows and crank up this 1980s pop rock classic while heading to the beach, firing up the barbecue, or embarking on a camping trip. Adams’ raspy voice, weaving tales of starting his first rock band and discovering love amidst the summer haze, never fails to evoke a feeling that resonates with us all. Year after year, the infectious sound and uplifting melody of this song continue to brighten the lives of millions across the globe. The song kicks off with a resounding snare drum, reverberating as if it were recorded in a vast warehouse. It is soon accompanied by palm-muted guitar chords and bursts of open chords on the offbeats. Adams’ nostalgic vocals soar above the guitar, as he declares, “I got my first real six-string / Bought it at the five and dime / Played it ’til my fingers bled / Was the summer of ’69.” The drums intensify, and the mix begins to shimmer with guitar rakes soaked in chorus effects, enveloping the listeners in a pop rock embrace. The chorus arrives with a fresh chord progression, giving those pop rock-n-roll guitars something new to talk about. As Adams continues reminiscing about the summer of ’69, the musical arrangement remains straightforward. This simplicity allows the raspy gold of Adams’ melody and lyrics to take center stage in the listener’s ears. The chorus culminates with a melodic and lyrical flourish, with Adams proclaiming, “Those were the best days of my life.” As the song progresses,…
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