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Monday, September 14, 2009

music monday with a bit of heaven



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:

Anonymous said...

Never heard of him, though I do love Natalie. I might have to download this one. Thanks!

blognut said...

Loved it! Never heard of it until now, but I really liked it.

Lee said...

I like one of his songs from when he was just getting started: The Holidays are Here (and We're Still at War).

shrink on the couch said...

thecheek -- you're welcome. glad you like him, too.

blognut -- cool!

lee -- thanks! I'll check those out, too.

Jocelyn said...

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.

Madge said...

i like him. thanks so much for sharing him with us.

Mental P Mama said...

Ohhhhh -- I am downloading that one. And I thought I was the only one with driveway moments;)

Sunny said...

The lyrics are wonderful. Thanks for discovering a talented musician for us :)

Margo said...

He's amazing. Love the lyrics and his voice almost as much! Thanks for sharing him!

bernthis said...

I have spent much time in my car in the driveway listening to a favorite song. It's my favorite moment in the day

Susan said...

Glad to hear he is getting on the air outside out local station! Don't you just love finding new music?

Glennis said...

OK, now I have to go out and find it.

Real Live Lesbian said...

I lurve Natalie Merchant...

gonna go look him up!

:)

Anonymous said...

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!

Anonymous said...

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!

Mary Alice said...

I liked it..thanks. I do that alot, sit in the driveway until a NPR piece is finished.

Everyday Goddess said...

NPR always inspires me!

I like the sound and will try to find more. Thanks!

islam khalil said...

I never hear of him before, may be like it
counselling psychologist

apathy lounge said...

Those lyrics are awesome.

Kathleen Scott said...

THANK YOU for publishing this!!! It's not only true, but elegantly stated.

Mels Place in Big Bear said...

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.

brigit said...

Really like it. Love the lyrics. Bit folky, and with a message - more reason to like it.

Pete said...

Loved it! Great voice, cool lyrics and I also luurve Natalie M. Thanks, phd in yogurty (can I just call you PIY instead).