Ritual • Breathe

Ritual is more than a musical group. It is a collaboration between Cassidy Haley and Jillian Ann, who together make music, fashion, and imagery that is as unique as the people making it. You've seen and heard Haley on this blog before, as I am a big fan. This music video, directed by Jean Renard, is an example of that, for it features an original song, as well as original fashion by Cassidy and Jillian. Both are strong and bold, capturing a youthful essence that is fresh. And both are named "Breathe", and share a wonderful layered and textured feel. This is the official music video for "Breathe".

You can find the song on Bandcamp, where you can name your own price. You can also purchase it on iTunes and Amazon. To learn more about Ritual, visit the official website. For those interested in teh social media, you can 'like' them on Facebook, and 'follow' them on Twitter. For more about the individual members, you can find Jillian Ann at her official website, and Cassidy Haley at his official Bandcamp site.

Worth Another Listen • The Bee Gees

Before there was Saturday Night Fever, before the remake of Sgt. Pepper, before duets with Barbra, before disco ruled the airwaves, there was a trio of brothers who moved with the family from England to Australia, and were soon on their way to take over music. Barry and his twin brothers, Robin and Maurice, were making music in the late 60s in Australia, but seemed unable to get a foothold in the business. Much earlier, they were talking with radio DJ Bill Gates and promoter Bill Goode, who gave them the name Bee Gees, not because they were the 'Brothers Gibb' as is often thought, but because it was the initials of the men.

They went back to the UK, only to discover they had their first hit with the song Spicks And Specks was a hit Down Under, and earning the boys awards. Shortly after their arrival in England, the boys were signed to a label, and in April of 1967 they released their first single, New York Mining Disaster 1941. It was released to radio in a white sleeve with black lettering for the song title, and immediately started getting airplay, for many assumed it was The Beatles. It rose to #14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, their first hit.



The album was called The Bee Gees 1st, which was a bit of a misnomer, since the band had released two albums in Australia. On the heels of the first success, the second single was released, and it seemed to be a song the world was waiting to hear. Written by Barry and Robin Gibb for singer Otis Redding, but once done, was recorded for their own album. To Love Somebody became a song that would be a standard, a song that has since been covered by some of the top names in the music industry. It was their second forray into the Billboard Top 20.



The fourth single released would be yet another song that would become a signature song for the band. Just after Massachusetts was recorded, Beatles manager Brian Epstein heard it, and told Barry that it was beautiful, and he expected it to be the hit of the summer of 1967. Those were the last words Barry heard from the man, as he passed away a short time later. But his words were prophetic, as the song made it to # 11 on the US Billboard chart, and hit #1 throughout Europe and Canada.



In January of 1968, it was time for the next single. The Bee Gees had a new song they had not put on an album yet, but it was released as a single. Once again, it quickly became a signature song for them, as Words scored another hit, taking the #15 spot of the US Pop chart.



So, in their first year back in the UK, the Bee Gees not only firmly established their careers in British music, they also were leaving their imprint on the ears of fans worldwide. There is much more music to come, but for now, I will just say to learn more about the Bee Gees, visit their official website here. I am sure I will have more music from the prolific men soon.

Today's Mantra - OMFG

Well, as some have seen, this blog was named the winner for the 2010 Best Weblog About Music in the Bloggie Awards. I am still wrapping my feeble little brain around it, but for the moment I would like to thank everyone who supports and voted for the blog. I am beyond grateful. And I will come back to this, once words and a functioning brain are my friend again, or I might have my online Sally Fields moment...

Thank you,

H

REPORT - Shane Mack - I Want a CD

Another of my favorite singer/songwriters is Shane Mack, a gorgeous blond with a stunning voice, and an injured soul. As far as I know, Shane has yet to release a CD, but I had found him a few years ago on MySpace, and DL'ed his music. He had several songs I loved, but I was especially fond of 'Lie To Me,' I mean, we've all been there, haven't we?



Then the song was on the soundtrack to the movie 'Shelter,' which is a great movie BTW with some beautiful boys, and was released by HERE! Shane has a couple more songs on that soundtrack, including 'More Than This' and 'I Like That.' They are also excellent, but some of his other songs just speak to me so much more. There is 'Wreckage' - he has an acoustic version I purchased from SnoCap on his MySpace page - and 'Clean' - another acoustic version that makes me think - and 'Last Train Better' - a great song that plays with sanity and tempo - and 'If I Stay' - a gorgeous love song that has lines like 'It hurts if I stay, but it's worse if I stay...away.' Damn.



So, when do I get to buy my Shane Mack CD? I want it!

Boo! - Halloween Music

Great Music - Daniel Cartier

What can I say about Daniel Cartier? First, I really love his music. I have all the CDs he has released, and a DVD. His singing, his songwriting, I love it all. Second, he is hot! Third, I have had a little bit of communication with him to order some of the material, and he is an incredibly nice man. So what more can you ask for? So far, his latest, You And Me Are We, is my favorite, but I truly enjoy the others as well.



Daniel sings everything, from uptempo songs like Beautiful, to a gorgeous and touching rendition of Auld Lang Syne. There are rock songs like Lost In Detroit, and the country flair of Lay It On, while one of my favorite songs, Doofus of Love, has an updated doo-wop feel.



Daniel has his own channel on YouTube, and offered many cover versions of songs for his fans, sung on a webcam in his home. He makes all the songs his own, from Des'ree to the Eurythmics to Broadway tunes. One of my favorites is his cover of Moon River. There are so many that are great, including Dreams by Fleetwood Mac.



Daniel is also an artist, with some of his work hanging in galleries in New York. He also had a farm and store on the New England coast, although he has moved to Nashville, TN, with his fiancee Joe. He has recently mentioned he is working on a new album, and I couldn't be more thrilled.



You can find out more about Daniel at his website.

Old Music - Worth Another Listen

As part of a year-end review, I will be putting up an occasional repost of the first 6 months of Soundtrack to my Day this week.

In 1991, The Pansy Division got together and began a movement in music known as 'Queercore.' Those boys have rocked since the beginning, bringing new views and topics to hardcore music. They brought humor to their music, as well as an honesty that was so refreshing. In the mid 90s, they toured with Greenday, exposing their music to a much larger audience.



They are touring again, hitting the East Coast June 17-28. With songs like Son of a Preacher Man, Who Treats You Right, Groovy Underwear, He Whipped My Ass In Tennis, Luv Luv Luv, Bad Boyfriend, Political Asshole, Negative Queen, James Bondage, and The Summer You Let Your Hair Grow Out, as well as a new CD out, That's So Gay, that I just ordered, as well as the DVD Pansy Division: Life In A Gay Rock Band. Can't wait to get either!



You can find them at their website.

EOB - Equal Oportunity Blogger - Str8 Boys Need Luvin' Too

Just to show I can be OK with people, no matter their sexual orientation, I will put up a couple of videos from str8 boys that I enjoy listening to. Like Chris J Keys, an indie artist from Belfast, Northern Ireland. I don't know how I ran across him on the internet, but I am so glad I did. Also, he has been a sweet guy to correspond with.



JR Richards is the lead singer for Dishwalla, a very cool rock band from California. JR has an exceptional voice, at once intoxicating and sexy, despite his apparent heterosexuality. He just released a solo CD, A Beautiful End. The following video is when he performed with Dishwalla and a full orchestra, singing 'Angels and Devils.'



And I would be remiss if I were not to include a clip of Ace Young, my favorite all-time American Idol contestant. He is stunningly handsome, talented, and a very nice man.



Enjoy!

Shane Mack - I Want A CD

Another of my favorite singer/songwriters is Shane Mack, a gorgeous blond with a stunning voice, and an injured soul. As far as I know, Shane has yet to release a CD, but I had found him a few years ago on MySpace, and DL'ed his music. He had several songs I loved, but I was especially fond of 'Lie To Me,' I mean, we've all been there, haven't we?



Then the song was on the soundtrack to the movie 'Shelter,' which is a great movie BTW with some beautiful boys, and was released by HERE! Shane has a couple more songs on that soundtrack, including 'More Than This' and 'I Like That.' They are also excellent, but some of his other songs just speak to me so much more. There is 'Wreckage' - he has an acoustic version I purchased from SnoCap on his MySpace page - and 'Clean' - another acoustic version that makes me think - and 'Last Train Better' - a great song that plays with sanity and tempo - and 'If I Stay' - a gorgeous love song that has lines like 'It hurts if I stay, but it's worse if I stay...away.' Damn.



So, when do I get to buy my Shane Mack CD? I want it!

Acoustic Goss

I first saw Tom Goss as an opening act for the amazing Eric Himan at the World Cafe Live in Philadelphia. I have not only enjoyed his music - he is a great songwriter - but I have gotten to know him by attending several shows, and he is a great guy. Sometimes, I just listen to his music to make myself feel better.



Just wanted to get this up online, because it should be heard.

Latest Purchase: Casey Stratton

As I set up this beast, I am listening to singer/songwriter Casey Stratton’s release, Standing At The Edge. Casey has a gorgeous voice so crisp and clarion clear. He maintains this technical brilliance while delivering the emotional value. The first track, ‘For Reasons Unexplained’ is a perfect example. His voice maintains the melody, but pushes beyond it to the core of the uncertainty, the angst.

Casey just released a new offering, Altered States: Remixes Volume One, with Electronica/Dance versions of some of his songs. One of my personal favorites is ‘Sacrifice [Ritual Mix]’, with an interesting tribal feel, with a drum line that reminds me of Native American music, at times verging on a Middle-Eastern sound, and an orchestration with a Celtic feel to the reeds. His voice is strong and full, adding to the haunting mix, yet remains urgent with the chorus. ‘You are your own sacrifice.’

‘Violet Room [Ultraviolet Mix]’ has this interesting synthesizer line that is somewhat reminiscent of Depeche Mode, the beat much more driving and dance oriented. The song maintains the 80s influence while keeping a current air about it. ‘Opaline’[Falsified Life Mix] is another strong track, laying down a textured dance beat and allowing Casey’s vocal to soar and glide. ‘Blood [Little Flood Mix]’ is one of two mixes for the song, and it combines the dense club sound alternating with a more sparing and clean feel, adding a dark texture.

I am a new fan of Casey’s, having discovered his work on the web. I actually asked him on Twitter what to buy first, and he ever so kindly suggested Standing At The Edge. He must be right, because listening to it made me a real fan.