I'm Not Afraid

The only thing that scares me about Thievery Corp's latest studio album, Culture of Fear, is the distinct possibility that I will over play this one. Perhaps even more than my other favorite Thievery LP.

These fiercely talented DJs known for their socially alert messages and contemplative grooves, are doing a little less of the politically charged and a lot more of the perfectly crafted - and that is a good thing.

Not that I have anything against politically charged or socially alert or the 9/11 laced lyrics of the title track, it's just not what I really love about these guys. They are masters of combining electronica, trip-hop and acid jazz and weaving the perfect chill soundscape. 

Their unique sound, always rich with world music, makes me want to go places. Like this reggae-flavored track Overstand makes me want to head to the islands. Now what's so scary about that?

The other guy with a small guitar & a big voice

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Last night I had the good fortune of seeing Eddie Vedder actually play that ukulele live at the fabulous Paramount Theater in Oakland.

There were far too many unbelievable moments in that 3+ hour show to mention all of them here but I will say that several of the evening's highlights involved this guy - Glen Hansard.

When he first appeared on the dimly lit stage with guitar in hand, I thought man I would not want to be the one opening for the wildly talented guy that's coming on next. To say Hansard held his on is an understatement - his voice and acoustic guitar filled the already packed venue to the rafters.

Two of his duets with Vedder almost made me cry. First there was the Academy Award winning Falling Slowly from the indie film Once - which I highly recommend, both the film and the soundtrack. And then there was a completely unamplified version of Sleepless Nights - stunning.

There are a few more dates on this tour and I recommend trying real hard to get tickets to one of them. Meanwhile, I'm going to spend some time digging up more tunes from the other guy. The one here - Low Rising is a good start.

Imagine Jack Johnson sans Curious George

I have no idea how I missed this hidden gem buried deep in this compilation album of covers of John Lennon songs. But it doesn't really matter - this is an excellent example of better late than never.

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And speaking of excellent example - this cover of Imagine definitely qualifies. Matter of fact, I think it's one of the best and there have been lots of versions to choose from over the years.

Avril Lavigne covers it too on the same album and it's good but it didn't strike me as really unique - mainly because the piano arrangement reminds me of the original.

That's where Jack Johnson's version veers into almost-better-than-the-original territory. He takes a very classic piano-forward song and replaces it with a beautiful acoustic guitar arrangement that is pure magic.

And you know what the funny thing is? I didn't think about Curious George once.

Bossa Nova Not Prozac

Remember the book Potatoes Not Prozac - the one with the dietary plan to stabilize blood sugars and thereby alleviate depression?

Well, that's how I feel about the power of Bossa Nova. Yes, it's still timeless and classic nearly 50 years after Getz/Gilberto's The Girl from Ipanema took the US music charts by storm, but I think it CAN alleviate all sorts of sour moods - depression included.

While I really like this version of Meditacao (meditation in English) by Carmen Cuesta, I love it by these guys. Seriously, this album is desert-island-worthy material. If you don't have it, you need it - your pleasing personality depends on it.

My idea of a Bonfire

I'm loving the ambient, lo-fi dream pop vibe on this track - Bonfire, and the beautifully shot short film by Jamie Harley isn't bad either.

Memoryhouse, named after a collection of classical music by German-born composer Max Richter, is the Ontario-based duo of Evan Abeele and Denise Nouvion and I'd say they have the spellbinding, ethereal thing down!

Too chill for you? Try this remix of To The Lighthouse.

I think after a few listens, Bonfire will grow on you. Perhaps it's more like slow burning embers - but still hot all the same.