It's one of radio listening's greatest moments. Driving down the road, rushing to my office, when I hear a new song, a new voice, a sound that says "gotta hear more." It's what I call a driveway moment after the NPR segment. Idling in my car, I hope the announcer does her job and tells me the name of the artist I just heard.
This latest driveway moment belongs to a young artist from Northern California, Brett Dennen. He's a fiery redhead with a soft, soulful voice. Something in his tone reminds me of Amy Winehouse. Winehouse without the drug drama and smeared eye liner.
"Heaven" is the song I heard. It features Natalie Merchant. I had a driveway moment with her many years ago when she sang "Like the Weather" with 10,000 Maniacs. I had to run out right then and there and buy the album. So it's only a bit of symmetry that I loved this young artist with whom she chose to collaborate.
I can't decide what I like better, Dennen's folky sound or his lyrics. What do you think?
Beyond the rules of religion
The cloth of conviction
Above all the competition
Where fact and fiction meet
There`s no color lines casts or classes
There is no fooling the masses
Whatever faith you practice
Whatever you believe
Heaven?
Heaven?
What the hell is heaven?
Is there a home for the homeless?
Is there hope for the hopeless?
Throw away your misconceptions
There ain't no walls around heaven
There are no codes you gotta know to get in
No minutemen no border patrol
You must lose your earthly possession
Leave behind your weapons
You cannot buy your salvation
There is no pot of gold
Heaven ain`t got no prisons
No government no business
No banks or politicians
No armies and no police
Castles and cathedrals crumble
Pyramids and pipelines tumble
The failure keeps you humble
Leads us closer to peace
23 comments:
Never heard of him, though I do love Natalie. I might have to download this one. Thanks!
Loved it! Never heard of it until now, but I really liked it.
I like one of his songs from when he was just getting started: The Holidays are Here (and We're Still at War).
thecheek -- you're welcome. glad you like him, too.
blognut -- cool!
lee -- thanks! I'll check those out, too.
Oh, I've just been craving new music. This will do it!
He's poignant-voiced, indeed, and I haven't heard new Natalie Merchant in years. What a treat.
i like him. thanks so much for sharing him with us.
Ohhhhh -- I am downloading that one. And I thought I was the only one with driveway moments;)
The lyrics are wonderful. Thanks for discovering a talented musician for us :)
He's amazing. Love the lyrics and his voice almost as much! Thanks for sharing him!
I have spent much time in my car in the driveway listening to a favorite song. It's my favorite moment in the day
Glad to hear he is getting on the air outside out local station! Don't you just love finding new music?
OK, now I have to go out and find it.
I lurve Natalie Merchant...
gonna go look him up!
:)
Well, the voice is interesting at least, but I did not like the song at all. Far too smooth and produced for my liking. Also, the lyrics were a bit too perky. Give me cynicism and anger instead! Also, he's redheaded, and I'm weirded out by men with red hair! Yuck!
Well, the voice is interesting at least, but I did not like the song at all. Far too smooth and produced for my liking. Also, the lyrics were a bit too perky. Give me cynicism and anger instead! Also, he's redheaded, and I'm weirded out by men with red hair! Yuck!
I liked it..thanks. I do that alot, sit in the driveway until a NPR piece is finished.
NPR always inspires me!
I like the sound and will try to find more. Thanks!
I never hear of him before, may be like it
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Those lyrics are awesome.
THANK YOU for publishing this!!! It's not only true, but elegantly stated.
He's got a great voice and great lyrics. And what I wouldn't do for his hair color. Maybe I'll look that fabulous in heaven.
Really like it. Love the lyrics. Bit folky, and with a message - more reason to like it.
Loved it! Great voice, cool lyrics and I also luurve Natalie M. Thanks, phd in yogurty (can I just call you PIY instead).
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