The best way I can describe the sound of Il Divo is soaring passion. These four beautiful operatic voices blend to create powerful music and graceful elegance. “Angelina”, “Adagio”, they all create a relaxing, rich ambience which surrounds you and takes you in, a break from a world which can be chaotic.

The real test for me was the cover of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. There is a wonderful rendition by Jeff Buckley and my favorite version is Leonard’s, but, Il Divo managed to wow me with a soft and gorgeous rendition. I love the beauty of Italian and Spanish so that is a plus for me.

This is the type of cd I want to just get lost in and allow it to inspire and enrich my soul and my heart. Bravo, Il Divo!

Finding Her Own Voice

When I listened to “The Other Side of Me”, I thought that Eder sounded like a cross between Barbra Streisand and Carrie Underwood. Doing a bit of research, I found out that Eder was born in Tucson, AZ in 1961, and that, in fact, Streisand and Judy Garland were early inspirations of hers. I went back to listen to some of her previous work which
included mainly Broadway and pop standards.

In speaking about her new album, her 10th and her debut with Verve, Eder has said, “This isn’t so much a departure as it is me getting back to who I really am.” She has explained that before she felt she was playing a role, albeit a good one, but that now she was going back to her roots and what moved her when she was just a kid and picked up her first guitar and began writing music. This first love is rekindled in “The Other Side of Me” with its country-pop flavor.

For me, some of these songs still sound like pop standards and, in fact, the middle of the cd songs seem to blend together, however there are truly some that stand out for me and make this cd powerful and enjoyable. Eder has a gorgeous voice and a broad vocal range. The songs deal with a range of emotions and form a tapestry of life and love. There are soaring melodies and the overall tone is extremely uplifting and optimistic. I love the instruments used on this cd and its beautiful harmonies. There are banjo, fiddle, mandolin, mandola, cello and acoustic/electric guitar and piano included.

“Pieces” is easily one of my favorites. It is about a woman who has to pick up the pieces all the time while her man finds another lover for the good times. It really is feisty and quite catchy while not cliche. It starts out, “She slams the door and you come running”, and continues with “I’ve always been the one who puts you back together; She gets the best of you and I get your stormy weather.” The message is that “I need some sunshine of my own.” What I love about this song is that it is simple and packs a punch while being extremely melodic and showcasing Eder’s beautiful vocals. It really has a country feel and I am in love with Antoine Silverman’s fiddle which acccents throughout and ends the song.

My favorite is “Waiting for The Fall”. This really galvanizes the entire cd for me with its sexy grooving electric guitars. It almost feels like it has a rockabilly feel and seems more alive and exciting than some of the others. This to me seems the epitome of Eder finding her own voice. It sounds modern and fresh even integrates a rap by Strange Cranium which fits perfectly. This song is a departure from some of the others that still sound pop/Broadway to me. Eder wrote this piece and it shows. I really hope she produces more of her own music.

I also like “Prayer For Love” which is full of country-tinged hopefulness.

“They are the Roses” speaks of the dreams that grow in the heart of a child and the hope for future generations. It is enhanced by the sweet voices of a children’s choir.

“Both Sides Now” is a cover of one of Joni Mitchell’s famous anthems. It’s very relaxing like a lot of this cd. There is a lot of pleasant music that is great for mellowing out.

I have been a fan of the Indigo Girls for ages and have seen them in concert. I think their writing is brilliant, so it was like finding an old friend to find a cover of Emily Salier’s “Ghost” here.
It’s sung beautifully, simply, not overdone. I found it very moving and love the original poetic lyrics of love and longing.

And you kiss me like a lover
Then you sting me like a viper
I go follow to the river
Play your memory like a piper

And I feel it like a sickness
How this love is killing me
I’d walk into the fingers
Of your fire willingly
And dance the edge of sanity
Ive never been this close
Im in love with your ghost

“Make Today Beautiful” is about making your own future and facing it with hope and faith. I believe this is what Eder is doing here and she does it well. I hope to see even more
of her own voice and writing soon.

Linda Eder will be touring through the Fall and into 2009.

Ben and Jerry’s seasonal Pumpkin Cheesecake ice cream with graham cracker swirls is, in a word, scrumptious!

If you love Fall flavors, try it!

I am a huge fan of The Amazing Race and this week’s episode took place in Bolivia. The show’s host Phil is a particular favorite of mine. In this week’s video diary, he actually got to try out one of the challenges. I love it!

Melee is a band from Orange County, CA. I really liked their previous album, Everyday Behavior (2004). After a few years of touring in Europe and Japan, they’ve released their new cd Devils & Angels. It is their first major label release. The difference between the two releases is that D&A is more pop and, to me, a bit overproduced.

At first, I thought I was listening to an ’80’s album. Upon further listening, it seemed an odd blend of Rick Springfield, the Goo Goo Dolls and Maroon 5 mixed with the tunes of Flashdance. Nevertheless, the more I listened to it, the more I enjoyed it and found the songs running through my head. They are very catchy with a lot of pop hooks and melodic harmony. There are also jamming piano tunes, sweet guitar riffs, and beautiful vocals. Melee is very talented in writing and performing. Their lead singer Chris Cron has a strong and beautiful voice.

The Songs:

“Built to Last” is particularly catchy.
“Rhythm of the Rain” evokes cozying up and listening to the rain pour down and speaks of growing up, romance and relationships. This seems to be the theme of the album.
“Frequently Baby” includes lyrics such as “she’s just a teenage maniac with her heart out on the dancefloor”. Very energetic and revved up.
“For a Lifetime” talks of going back to the beginning again and growing up, coming of age, going out in the world to find answers.
The very poppy “Drive Away” speaks of the conflict of wanting to stay and yet leave a relationship, with its guitars sounding like driving.

One of my favorites is the slower, more romantic tune, “Can’t Hold On”. “If you can’t hold on, on your very last try, I’ll be there in the morning to pull you through.”
“Imitation” speaks of “not giving you up to the devils inside your head”.
“Love Carries On” is a slow powerful ballad with a crescendoing chorus.
“She’s Gonna Find Me Here” has beautiful piano-driven harmonies.
“Biggest Mistake” is very danceworthy and speaks of “the psycho with the blue dress on”. The lyrics are interesting including “Gonna sue Jet Blue for everything they put me through.”
“You Got” is also one of my favorites. It has a Rob Thomas/Santana vibe to me and is more grooving with rich and sensual guitar riffs.
“Stand Up” is anthemic and poppy.

The bonus track is a cover of Hall & Oates “You Make My Dreams”. It is done simply, cleanly and reminds me of why Hall & Oates were so popular.

Melee’s D&A is upbeat music. It’s not heavy or anything to study too closely. It’s more something to let wash over you and bring you with it into its head-bopping vibe. It’s poppy bubbly feel-good music, a nice change when you want something light. At the same time, the band is very talented and I’ve heard they are great in concert. Enjoy!

Also, the cd art is gorgeous!

So You Think You Can Dance is one of my favorite shows each season. This season has not been as fabulous as past ones, but there is one dancer that I support wholeheartedly and others who are very good as well. Mark Kanemura seems to become the music or the dance. He is free, goofy and spontaneous and resembles an elf or a pixie. He is also a dance teacher and choreographer. I think he’s amazing.