Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Cafe Chaos -- Music

Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Welcome to Café Chaos. Grab a cup of coffee or tea (we prefer coffee) and join us for a chat. Every Tuesday we’ll offer recommendations for music lovers. As professional singers for a collective 60-some years, we're pretty opinionated about musical performers/performances, but we're not the type to bash. Not generally anyway. Feel free to comment on our picks or to throw in a few of your own. We’re listening!

SIS Beth says…
As singers go, I like those with unique voices. I also enjoy a singer who knows how to appreciate a melody. Verbal gymnastic are impressive, but when overused, annoying. To me anyway. Some of my favorite singers may not be the most commercially successful, but they are among the most talented.

My pick of the week: Lisa Loeb
Most people know Lisa for her hit ballad ‘Stay.’ Some only know her for that. ‘Stay’ was her biggest commercial hit. But Lisa has released several albums and has a huge cult following. I love her quirky voice, thoughtful lyrics, and catchy melodies. A gifted singer, guitarist, and songwriter, this girl can rock!
Recommended Album: The Very Best of Lisa Loeb
My Favorite Song: Fools Like Me
*You can sample songs from this album by clicking here.

SIS Brenda says…
No frills, no fuss, just talented singers and musicians doing what they do. I love a good vibe. I love raw talent. Give me a little grit in the voice any day of the week.

My Pick of the Week: Jason Mraz
His music is the epitome of cool. A little Jazz, a little reggae, a little R & B and just enough of about everything else thrown in.
Recommended Album: We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things
My favorite Song: Lucky (Featuring Colbie Caillat)

*You can sample this album by
clicking here

SIS Barb says…
I prefer country music for many reasons, although the main one is talent. Country singers and musicians are extremely talented, usually writing or co-writing their own songs. They know how to play their instruments and they can SING. They don’t need all the special effects simply because they are especially gifted.

My pick of the week: Sugarland
Their music makes you want to sing along with the windows rolled down and your hair slapping you in the face. Whether it be a ballad or one of their many, wonderful, up-beat songs, Sugarland is unique and unforgettable.
Recommended Album: Love on the Inside
My Favorite Song: Wishing
*You can sample songs from this album by clicking here
Okay, SIS readers.... Chime in!

21 comments:

Unknown said...

I am with Justen and will go with country, but I really love listening to all kinds of music. My husband, JR, has a very eclectic music taste and so some days we will be listening to everything from Pink Floyd to Gypsy Kings to Cornershop. I love NOT being the DJ and letting him take the reins because if it were up to me, it would be all country all the time! It's good to expand my repertoire now and then. There's nothing better than music in the summer, with a cold drink and a hot evening!

Sisters-in-Sync said...

HI Zan's! Glad you could stop by! Unfortunately, Lar and I don't agree on music at all so I envy you and JR. See you soon!

SIS Barb

Beth Ciotta said...

I like all kinds of music too, Suzanne. So does my husband. Country is one of my favorites. It sort of evolved into the kind of 'Pop' music I loved in my younger days. Great, catchy melodies.

SIS Beth

Sherry Tew said...

I totally agree with all of you! Vocal gymnasts overshadow the groove of a song and the complimentary aspect of the instruments to the vocals. I love Jason Mraz - have an awesome version of him performing Winter Wonderland - like Brenda said, the epitome of cool with enough grit to make it sexy. I would add Pink to that category!! The contemporary country artists these days are phenomenally talented. Jennifer Nettles is amazing!

Mary Stella said...

Love country. Love classic rock. LOVE Bruce Springsteen who is not the world's best singer (not even the best rock singer) by any means. However, his grittiness suits his songs and he conveys a world of raw, gut-felt emotion even without smooth styling. Currently listening to his new "Working on a Dream" CD, particularly Kingdom of Days.

Tori Lennox said...

I was all set to comment yesterday, but our weather had other ideas. *grumble* Anyway, I love the new site!

I listen to a lot of different types of music but lately I've been on a Big Band kick. Sirius/XM's 40s on 4 is my friend. :)

Beth Ciotta said...

Hi, Sherry! I agree. PINK is a very interesting package all the way around. As for Jason Mraz... I had heard the name but was unfamiliar with his music. I hopped over to listen to track samples from that album and was blown away! The music is funky, jazzy... and it rocks. Also love his voice--unique. Gotta get that album. Thanks for the rec, Brenda!

Beth Ciotta said...

Mary, I KNEW you were going to mention Springsteen! LOL Gotta hand it to a man who can rock as hard as he still does. So how many times have you seen him live??? ;)

Beth Ciotta said...

Tori, hugs on the crummy weather. Bleh. Glad you like the new site. Thank you for joing us! I LOVE big band music! Also love to dance to it. :)
Do you have a fav big band song?

SIS Beth

Sisters-in-Sync said...

Hi Everyone! I am so glad you dropped by and thanks for the second timers!!! Please keep visiting us.
Sherry, I love, love, love P!nk. She is amazing and NEVER lipsyncs!
Mary Stella, sorry, girl, I can't hang with Springsteen.
Tori, Big band would be great with a group of girls and margaritas!

SIS Barb

Olga said...

"La Quinta Estacion," because of rich voice and amazing songs, and Josh Groban, for the same reason.

Sisters-in-Sync said...

Ah, Olga. You and Barb have a like-love. Josh Grobin. She's convinced she's going to sing a duet with Josh one day. (Indulge her fantasy. It's easier that way) *g*

SIS Beth

Sisters-in-Sync said...

Hi Olga! Um...I have a signed contract with Josh. I have no idea why Beth is calling it a fantasy????

SIS Barb

Olga said...

Barb, lol! And, Beth, if dream, then dream big! I believe that all dreams do come true. Who knows, maybe one day...

Sara said...

From the age of 10, I wanted to be a radio dj. I was well on my way when I became the morning producer of the number one rock and roll station in the town where I grew up. I became very much a rock girl...but you can also find Barry Manilow in my collection. And I am proud to admit that!

Beth Ciotta said...

Olga... I believe in dreams, too. So, I take back my fantasy jab. :) Barb's stage name is Justen. Justen and Josh. By God, that DOES have a ring to it!

SIS Beth

Beth Ciotta said...

Sara, I love your story. Morning producer of a R&R station sounds fun and fascinating. Although I'm sure it had/has a stress element.

As for Barry Manilow, he is a long time favorite of mine. I think he's an amazing pop songwriter. I also think he's a heck of a performer. 'Mandy' and 'I Write the Songs' are just two of my Manilowfaves. Plus, he was Bette Midler's pianist for years and Bette is my IDOL!

Sisters-in-Sync said...

Sara,

Barry? Really? Actually, somehow I'm not surprised. It's always fun to play music trivia with you.

SIS Barb

Tori Lennox said...

Right now my favorite Big Band songs seem to be train songs. Chattanooga Choo Choo and The Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe. I suspect I want to take a train trip somewhere. *g*

Brooks Conner said...

This looks like such a ladies page that I feel out of place here, but I wanted to let you know that your picks are pleasin'. I, too, like all genres of music, except Hip Hop and Rap, and am happy to be exposed to artists new to me. Yep, this blog will keep expanding my horizons. Thanks.

Brooks Conner said...

I submit this link for your enjoyment/perusal.

http://new.music.yahoo.com/meredith-brooks/;_ylt=AjQp53hrMXoqVc81Y3tesq_esyUv

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