Ida Maria - Fortress Round My Heart

The world is so exciting, there is so much to explore and so much to do in one lifetime.  It's kind of hypocritical of me to say that since I still live in Markham, but that doesn't mean that my mind is under constraints only because my body is confined to one place.  I realized how young I actually am and how lucky to still have the time to do what I want to do, an epiphany if you will.  I don't see the problem of setting extremely high goals, which are usually unachievable but aiming for them any way, not realizing where you might land.  You may end up pissed off or utterly disappointed, but at the same time, you wouldn't have known if you haven't tried.  So in that case...i'm gonna aim high....really high...put a blindfold on and ignite the tip...care to join?
#20

Ida Maria - Fortress Round My Heart

All this talk about control makes me think of how little control we actually have.  Yes we have control of our actions, reactions and thoughts, but we have absolutely no control over the outcome...to me, thats extremely exciting, and I thought Ida Maria's album Fortress Round My Heart is the perfect example of control vs. chaos.  Let's start with the aspect of chaos and what better song to represent chaos then "Oh My God".  Straight forward lyrics (mostly repeated), four chord progression, and a chorus line that speaks volumes to the subject of chaos.  "Oh my god, oh you think i'm in control, oh my god, oh you think it's all for fun"...oh and don't forget that slide bass line at the end of the song which is an awesome yet simple addition.  Now if we switch sides for a moment and find a song that represents the aspect of control, "Leave Me Let Me Go" does just that.  A slow, melancholic song that tells the tale of lost love and the venture to find the feeling of happiness once again.  What caught my attention during this song is the build up in the pre-chorus, where Ida rises the tone and rides her emotions high until she lets it fall to the chorus.  Finally we end off with another chaotic track which is quite self-explanitory through its title: "I Like You So Much Better When Your Naked"...basically just listen, have fun with it and take it as you will...cause to be honest...i'm still a little confused lol.

All in all this is just a fun album to listen to.  It's not too serious, nor is it too intense to enjoy, plus it went hand and hand with what I was going through while listening.  Since all my friends were out drinking and partying while I was stuck at home working and writing my essay(s), I needed to listening to something that would lighten up the mood.  We are all way to young to take things so seriously.  We have to realize that there will always be a chaotic side and a controlled side to a story...so lets all just chill out, do what we want to do and live our age for once!

Ida Maria - Fortress Round My Heart
3/5
Recommended:
Oh My God
I Like You So Much Better When Your Naked
Louie
Leave Me Let Me Go
Morning Light

Esperanza Spalding - Esperanza

Things are falling into place and the weather is finally settling down.  Maybe this is just the calm before the storm but till then I can finally take a little breather.  All of these descriptions are metaphors of course, but needless to say, my workload has settled down and my work schedule is about to take a hiatus.  The world knew I needed a break and it gave to me.  So with that said, I wanted to reflect on my current status with an album by an artist who recently won best new artist a few days ago at the Grammy's.  I'm not going to lie, I was just as confused as the next person by their decision to choose such an artist, let alone such a genre, for this award...but then I gave it a listen and i started to understand...the concept of do what you love and it'll take you far was evident.  With artists such as Lady Antebellum and Arcade Fire taking home major awards, it's no secret that the game is changing and personality seems to be shaping the directions of the critics.  My job for example takes a lot out of me (distance, dealing with fans, always keeping a positive attitude), but I absolutely love it, and no matter how tired I am from school or other social activities, I know that if i just do what i love and not act like its my job, it'll take me far.  So far it's working in my favour and i'm glad that the same concept is working for an artist like Esperanza Spalding.
#19

Esperanza Spalding - Esperanza

Jazz is not my strong suit but I can still tell if a flow is working or not.  Esperanza started playing the double bass when she was four and attended the Berkeley college of music, which is essentially the Harvard for music students.  Her trend of adapting Brazilian style to fit with jazzy tones is exquisite, it's catchy, it's smooth and you can just tell that she loves it...you have to feel it.  Her bass and her voice are an extension of her body and her first single "Precious" is proof of just that.  This record is by far the most mainstream of her records, though much like Drake's hit single "Over", I guarantee you that Precious will grow on you without a doubt.  "Ponta De Areia" is another beautiful record sung entirely in Portuguese, adapting her brazilian roots to a jazz rendition.  Since i'm not educated in the Portuguese language, I took this opportunity to just sit and listen, especially to the voice since the voice is essentially another instrument in itself.  I have a great respect for jazz musicians, not only because its bloody difficult to play, but it pushes you to feel the music, not just to perform it.

My sister pointed out that you have to have a certain form of recognition in order to be deserving of an award, such as best new artist.  I agree to an certain extent only because fame and recognition is what artist gain through time, but not what artist usually strive for...well I can't speak for all because i'm not an artist myself, but you can't be too surprised for Esperanza to win this award.  Personally I would of chosen Mumford & Sons because of their pure talent and rapid recognition, but the category was up in the air...secretly everyone cheers for the underdog and sometimes they prevail.

Esperanza Spalding - Esperanza
4/5
Recommended Songs:
Precious
Ponta De Areia
I know You Know
Body & Soul
Ps...I added a few things on the bottom...check it out!