Visit Archy & Mehitabel for the Holidays

Top & Middle: Alex Horwitz, left, & Lee Waters, right. Bottom: Me in an Alex & Lee sandwich in NYC.

Now, it should be clear to anyone who even stops by the blog on occasion that I am wild about Archy & Mehitabel, the intense, quirky, stylish and talented duo who perform their own variety of Avant Pop. Lee Waters and Alexander Horwitz the the men behind the moniker, and a truly talented pair they are. I am not sure exactly how I stumbled across them, but I certainly remember when I first experienced the music. I caught a YouTube video of the boys during a rehearsal, and I basically was stopped in my tracks. Alex was on the piano, and Lee was at the microphone, and they laid down an incredible song in one take, and it was perfect. The song, Hammerspace, is still one of my favorites, although I suspect I would have a tough time coming up with a real favorite at any given moment. I am just that crazy about the music. But from the moment I saw this video, I have been a fan, one that hasn't been disappointed, instead have found the boys to impress me more with each new song. But this is Hammerspace.



So, of course, I wanted to make sure Lee and Alex were a part of this holiday trek, and to my delight, they agreed to take part. In fact, they said they were "Happy to do it." And I am happy to tell you all about it. But if you are expecting the usual answers, I would suspect you might want to stop reading now, for these boys are anything but usual. Take, for example, when I asked the first question, about their favorite holiday music. The answer was simple, just three words. "Shedrik by Charivna." Somewhat at a loss, I looked it up, and discovered that this is a version of Carol of the Bells by Charivna, performing the Ukrainian folk song, Shedrik, or as the English-speaking people have come to know it, Carol of the Bells. Fascinating, as you can see below.



With that one under my belt, how about the answer to the next question? Do Archy & Mehitabel have a favorite holiday song to perform? "Santa Baby," said without hesitation. "Why let mommy have all the fun?" Well, they certainly have a point there. To prove it, I thought I would post a copy of Eartha Kitt singing the song, with an able assist of a couple of drag queens who I suspect might not have been in the original tape, done in the 1950s. This is Eartha, Jade, Adrella and Ebbonkee in a very special performance.



Now, with those answers already in place, I wasn't sure what to expect for the next, but I sure was interested in what the answer would be. After all, what are Lee and Alex's hopes for the New Year, which is just around the corner? "More money for more kids in more schools to make more music." That is certainly a position I could not argue with, as my niece and nephew take their music lessons in their school, but I do know they are among the lucky. And we do want to be training a new generation of musicians, do we not?

Now, what is the favorite song and/or music from 2010 for Lee and Alex? Again, a simple answer, this time consisting of four words. Babooshka by Miss Platnum." Well, I have to admit that once again I had to go look this one up, and watched it on YouTube myself. And, as a matter of fact, I needed to share it with you all. Yes, it is not holdiay music in the slightest, yet it needs to be seen. Miss Platnum is a Romanian/German entertainer whose style is defined as Soul/R&B/Hip-Hop, and has a very successful career in Germany. While the song is called Babooshka, the video might have been able to be called breasts, because that is mainly what I can see in the video. Enjoy this, I sure did.



As we hit the final question, while I might not be sure to what direction the answer might come, I feel a certain amount of remorse this is the end. It has been exciting waiting for the answers, hasn't it? So I ask Alex and Lee what are they are looking forward to musically in 2011. "Die Zauberflöte at The Metropolitan Opera, directed by Julie Taymor. W00t!" Now, in case you were wondering what in the hell is that, it is Mozart's incredible opera, The Magic Flute, written in 1791. A production being directed by Julie Taymor certainly something that should rank high on the anticipatory scale.

And, it is over. I am a little sad, cause I have definitely enjoyed this journey, and have learned a bit. You can ask for more, can you? So I shall end this with a video by Lee and Alex, for the song Thank You, as that seems to epitomize the feeling of the Christmas season, gratitude. Here it is.



For more on Archy & Mehitabel, check out their official website here. You can purchase Welcome To Lübeck on iTunes here. The EP is under $4, and worth three-times that.

Visit Daniel Cartier for the Holidays

I recently asked 5 questions to some of my favorite performers featured on this blog, wanting to add a little something to the holiday season. I wanted to learn a bit more about the artists, and their thoughts on music. Daniel Cartier is the next stop on my holiday rounds. As well as being a singer/songwriter, Daniel is also a artist, have some pieces in galleries in New York.

I have been enchanted by Daniel's music for several years now, and find it speaks to me in different ways than much does, as is the case with my favorites. They have a certain something that just makes their voice touch my heart, touch my soul in a way many don't. His videos often have an interesting perspective, perhaps due to his background in art. Take, for example, the hypnotic quality of Hovering, from his album Redemption.



I have been in contact with Daniel for several years, all online. I have yet to see him perform live, but hope to get the chance at some point. So when I thought of this series, I knew I wanted to include him, as someone of whom I wanted to learn a little bit more

So I was eager to ask him what his favorite holiday song was, and it didn't take him long to answer. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, by Judy Garland." What holiday song does he like to perform? "Uh... Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," he answered wryly, "but I'm no Judy!" I don't have a copy of Daniel singing it, but I do have one where Judy does.



As to what his hopes are for the coming New Year, he was very philosophical in his answer. "That I can feel a deep acceptance for whatever comes to pass. If there are things I cannot accept," he continued, "I hope I have the courage to stand up and do something about them if I'm able. The fact is, 2011 will be whatever it winds up being. All I can effectively pray for is acceptance and the willingness to be in the solution if that's possible."

Since we are talking about the New Year, I thought I would run a video of Daniel singing the consummate song for that particular holiday, Auld Lang Syne.



As I am always fascinated by what artists might actually have on their iPods, I wanted to know what he was listening to this year. "Yikes... can I say my own music? Is that obnoxious? I think my album Redemption is the best thing I've ever done. It's a shame my crazy personal life forced it to be temporarily sidelined," he said. "I also love new music by Katy Perry, Keisha, Daft Punk, Florence and the Machine and so on and so forth."

Daniel has recorded some holiday music, including a very cool version of Carol of the Bells. It was on his This Christmas CD, which, of course, I had to own!



Since we've covered the past and present, what about the future? What is Daniel looking forward to musically in 2011? "I'm looking forward to relaunching my album Redemption," he said, "and getting my song Married out to the masses in support of marriage equality for everyone, everywhere." Well, that is exciting, since I know it from the album. But I look forward to seeing a video at some point.

For more about Daniel, check out his official website here. There you can also find out where to buy his music, either directly from him, or find links to buy from iTunes or Amazon. As I skim through the available albums, I have to laugh, cause I have them all.

Visit Eric & the Adams for the Holidays

Left to right: Eric, Angel & Jimmy.

I recently asked 5 questions to some of my favorite performers featured on this blog, wanting to add a little something to the holiday season. I wanted to learn a bit more about the artists, and their thoughts on music. The first answers I had were from Jimmy Adams, followed quickly by Eric Himan and Angel Adams. It made for a no brainer, and Eric & the Adams are the first of the featured artists in this series.

Eric & the Adams is a rock band based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Angel Adams, her brother Jimmy Adams, and good friend Eric Himan all reside. Just about a year ago, they released their debut EP, a 5-song collection that is still in my listening rotation. Their latest video from that EP is for Keeper of the Secret.



The first thing I wanted to know was when they listen to holiday music, what is your favorite? "I freaking LOVE holiday music," Angel exclaimed. "My favs are the song from Charlie Brown - Christmas Time Is Here and I LOVE Carol of the Bells." Jimmy, on the other hand, was less enthusiastic. "Ha! I really don't listen to a lot of holiday music," he answered. "I did however wake up this morning singing Last Christmas by Wham. I think that's like the only "Christmas" song I can listen to and not cringe but I'm sure that's soon to change..." Eric had a slightly different perspective. "Jingle Bell Rock reminds me of the season," replied Eric. "There should be more Hanukkah songs (not the biggest fan of Adam Sandler but his Hanukkah Song does make young Jewish kids feel better knowing there are lots of Jewish people who they know that are famous).

Carol of the Bells


Next I wondered if any of them had a favorite holiday song to perform. "I'll perform any of them...except for that cheesy "Feed the World" song that sings something about "Do They Know It's Christmas time at all..." explained Angel. "I started playing Jingle Bell Rock," said Eric, "because it is easy on the piano (and I am still learning)." Jimmy's answer surprised me. "I haven't actually performed any Christmas songs," he said. "We (EATA) haven't really had any gigs close enough to Christmas that forced us to learn any. I'm really not sure which song I would pick if I had to. I could see us rocking out to Last Christmas [LOL] with some serious screaming guitars and driving drums. That would be something to hear. haha!"

Last Christmas


It seems everyone has their own hopes for the New Year. "Health," Angel answered decisively. "The Girl and I have been thinking about expanding our family so we'll probably be going full force in that this coming year." Eric also had loved ones in mind. "My hopes is to find balance in the different areas of my life (career, relationship, etc)." Jimmy's thoughts were more on the professional side. "I'd really like to expand musically," he reflected. "I've been listening to some different music; to the bass lines and chord arrangements trying to find a more jazzy side to bass playing. Also I've been interested in operating my own business. I started a couple of years ago with a landscaping business but recently had an idea of doing sound for local events. The overhead isn't too bad and it's something I'd really enjoy, and there are countless people to meet with a gig like that."

I also wanted to know what is their favorite song/music from 2010. I think Jimmy gets an award for most eclectic taste. "Wow. I didn't think this would be tough until I really started giving it some thought," he replied. "Everyone knows I'm crazy about Gaga. But after going to her concert I was a little less impressed. Ke$ha had a lot of fun songs on her album that we made good use of. Nobody gets tired of the synth sounds and party vibe that her songs put out. But what I've really enjoyed listening to is The Dirty Heads. They had me hooked with their first single, Lay Me Down, and I bought their album immediately with no disappointments. Which leads me to the reforming of the band Sublime, now called Sublime with Rome. I'm always glad to see a band able to get together and play music after the passing of one of their band members, whether it's as good as the original or not. At least they're still playing." His sister was a bit more concise. "OMG!" answered an excited Angel. "I discovered so much music this year. Florence and the Machines...love them. There's so much music out there. I can't narrow it down." Eric, who took time to answer my questions while he was working on his next solo project, was also quite specific. "My favorite song from 2010," said Eric, "is Try by my friend and fellow singer/songwriter, Namoli Brennet (off her CD, Black Crow!)"

Jingle Bell Rock


And, finally, I wanted to know what they were looking forward to musically in 2011. "I'd like to see Eric and the Adams write a full album and maybe record an EP and tour like crazy," said Jimmy, smiling. "There's nothing I like more than seeing new places and playing music. This year took us up and around Pittsburgh and Penn State but I'd really like to go farther East, and the West Coast has been calling my name for quite sometime. I've been to L.A. once in my life but not for music. I'd really like to see us tour both coasts." Angel agreed, adding "I would LOVE for us to tour more. I would also LOVE to have a full-length album written. It would be incredible to think that we were touring with a national act. I think I would most love to know that we were able to put ourselves out there with our music...writing new stuff and people liking it." Eric's thoughts were on the music he was working on then. "I am looking forward to releasing the new material I am now recording in Tucson, Arizona. These songs seem to bring up a lot of things I have left out from my past songs and dig into the dark of me."

To learn more about Eric & the Adams, be sure to checkout their official website here. You can find their schedule there, and can purchase the EP.