Songs from the Stairwell

I just wanted to put this into writing. I'm officially stating that I'm working on an album called, "Songs from the Stairwell." It's a project that is long in the making, but hopefully it will be a success.

The Fox-Nickel Creek

This is a special song by Nickel Creek. I used it to get people inspired to travel in the video called, "These Are My People." I also like the irony of bluegrass music narrating a trip in India.

Jon McLaughlin - Already In

I heard about this guy from a friend and didn't really take the time to listen to his music until a while after I received it. Jon has a great story of how he became a songwriter, and it shows. The song Already In is catchy and has a very emotional quality that makes it unique. There are songwriters who play the piano and sing, but Jon brings his own style to the table that has people wanting more material. The entire album entitled Indiana worth purchasing.

Quote: "Out of reach, but I'm reaching out for you."

Emotion: 10
Passion: 8
Lyrics: 7
Melody:10
Empathy: 7

Score: 42

Ernie Halter - When the Lights Go Down

I first heard about this wonderful song from my friend Melanie. It took me a few listens before I grew to love it, and now it's commonly one that gets stuck in my head. The piano chords are subtle but effective. During a Spring Break trip to Seattle my freshman year in college I was able to see him perform this song live. At the time he had not yet released a studio album, and I felt privileged to get a sneak peek of great works to come.
Quote:"Don't leave me waiting, for the love I need, oh Lord, it's wearing on me."

Empathy: 8
Emotion: 9
Passion: 9
Lyrics: 8
Melody: 10

Score: 44

Norah Jones - What Am I to You?

Norah Jones - What Am I to You?

This song deserves more than a ten for empathy.  Norah Jones is another artist with more than her fair share of talent.  Her lyrics are clear and concise, and her style is more than memorable.  Before she stole the show during the 2003 Grammy Awards, I didn't know anything about her.  Since then, I have come to appreciate Norah's own brand of beautiful song writing and cherished each album as it came forth.  

This song will reach anyone who has ever tried to determine his or her position in a relationship.  All people should relate in some way because there isn't a clear way to know what someone thinks about you.  The title, "What Am I to You" is self-explanatory.  These relationships are based on the hypothetical rather than the actual.  So, when Norah says, "If my sky should fall, would you even call?" she doesn't really know.  Self doubt can be powerful, and when coupled with anxiety or worry, it can ultimately cause the demise of an otherwise healthy bond between two people.  

Another great metaphor in this piece is the description of a ball.  In English we talk about the "ball" as giving a piece of your self away in an effort to get something back.  Often times when people receive nothing in return they feel rejected, even when there is no reason to feel this way.  People have different senses of time.  For one person, response time between messages must be frequent in order for that person to feel accepted.  Problems arise from the discrepancy between perceptions of time.  For example, if I asked a guy how often he reads a book, and he responds by saying, "a lot," it doesn't really give one a concrete answer.  "A lot" could me every day for him, but maybe only twice a week for someone else.  This is usually part of communication breakdown for couples because time perceptions are very different.  As in all aspects of life, people must see the entire picture in order to accurately evaluate something.  In relationships, we only know our own side of the story, and this creates problems.  The song has clear lyrics and an obvious point of view that all people can relate to during a fledgling relationship.  

Quote: "If my sky should fall, would you even call? Opened up my heart, I never want to part.  I'm giving you the ball."

Empathy: 10

Lyrics: 10

Passion: 8

Emotion: 8

Melody: 8

Score: 44

Look After You

Considering all the hype the Fray received for their first two big hits, I was surprised when this particular song never really aired on much of anything. It's absolutely one of my favorites to sing and play on the piano because it has such a simple, elegant structure. I won't write a long piece tonight about it, but I will say it's worth its weight in Platinum.

Quote:"There now, steady love, so few come and don't go. Will you, won't you be the one I'll always know. When I'm losing my control, the city spins around. You're the only one who knows you slow it down."

Empathy: 9
Melody: 10
Lyrics: 10
Passion: 10
Emotion: 10

Score: 49

Shadowfeet

I love Brooke Fraser. I think we'd make a great couple. But that's neither here nor ... for here. She's a talented songwriter, and I want to make Shadowfeet today's song of the day. I listened to it a few mornings ago as I walked to school in the cold and it helped to put my mind at ease a little bit. I decided to play some music that I am not accustomed to listening, but I feel inspired to know there is always more beauty and talent in the world than I thought the day before.

Quote: "When the world has fallen out from under me, I'll be found in you still standing. " also "I am changing: less and less asleep. Made of different stuff than when I began and I have sensed it all along fast approaching is the day."

Honestly, the way she delivers this line, I know she's serious. This song was written for a reason. I once heard that songwriting is about what you are ready to tell the world. It's like a conversation between a large group of people. Sometimes I'll say something without thinking and people may at least acknowledge that I said something, but they won't entertain the thought by either laughing or asking a follow up question. Business models always look for a way to "add-value" to a market when trying to sell a product, and the same goes for people who write songs. If you aren't writing about anything of particular value to you, why would it ever be of use to someone else? I guess there is a saying about one person's junk is another person's treasure, but that is not a good way to write songs. Unless, of course, it's John Mayer's junk. In that case, I'd be content with whatever. Back to Brooke, though, because she's amazing. The song sounds from an initial listen to be very produced--which works well in this case. You can always dress something up to sound better than it is in infancy, but it's easily identifiable as still lacking true quality. This song would sound fantastic a cappella. It's raw and honest and the music video absolutely does it justice. So, watch it decide for yourself. Click this for the Shadowfeet Video.

Also, if you're curious to know more about this sensational artist, just click here for the Wikipedia skinny.

Empathy: 7
Emotion: 8
Melody: 9
Passion: 9
Lyrics: 10

Score: 43