Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World

Song: Somewhere Over The Rainbow / What A Wondeful World
Artist: Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Album: Facing Future
Genre: Folk
Year: 1990

Today is a very special day: the end of a hole year approaches and a new one starts soon, full of hopes, wishes and things that mar your mind. So for such a special occasion I had to post a special song, a really special one. That's why I've chosen Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (1959-1997). This popular hawaian singer made magic with this medley just playind the songs with his ukelele. You'll realize what I'm talking about when you'll listen to it. It's a pitty that he died due to weighted-related respiratory illness (he weighted once 350 kg, which is quite much). If you want to know more abour The Gentle Giant (that's how native hawaian people and his admirers called him; also Iz) chech this wiki.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Najwa - Go Cain

Song: Go Cain
Artist: Najwa
Album: Mayday
Genre: Alternative Rock
Year: 2003

Najwa Nimri. Strange name for a girl, isn't it? Would you believe me if I tell you that she's spanish? And that she's not just a singer but a composer and actress too (she has done a lot of movies, in spanish, english or french)? I Think that she's the perfect expample of an ATW (All Terrain Woman) able to do such a captative song. I'll be expecting her brand new album, which will be published on January.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Joni Mitchell - Blue

Song: Blue
Artist: Joni Mitchell
Album: Blue
Genre: Folk
Year: 1971

A woman with a talented voice and such a creative composing skill that had no frontiers. I think that this phrase describes her quite well, what do you think? Or is that you didn't knew her (this was my situation last year)? Then... you should.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Organic Audio - Your day

Song: Your Day
Artist: Organic Audio
Album: Lovelight
Genre: Ambient
Year: 2003

You are driving your convertible car near the beach, the smell of the sea surrounds you and you are very happy. The day worths it. So, I bet you that this is the song that you'll be hearing.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Hooverphonic - Mad About You

Song: Mad About You
Artist: Hooverphonic
Album: The Magnificent Tree
Genre: Electronic, Alternative Rock
Year: 2000

Although sometimes you'll think that this song is, in some way, quite repetitive (due to it's lyric) you can't deny that it has some special touch.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Laura Veirs - Magnetized

Song: Magnetized
Artist: Laura Veirs
Album: Year Of Meteors
Genre: Alternative Rock
Year: 2005

I obtained this album a couple of months ago but I didn't pay attention enough to it. Now, some weeks ago I decided to listen it again carefully and I got impressed. That's why it's time to recommend it to other people, as I am doing right now.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Neil Finn - Sinner

Song: Sinner
Artist: Neil Finn
Album: Try Whistling This
Genre: Rock
Year: 1998

There is life after Crowded House. Did you know it? The leader of this band continued his musical carreer succesfully. And this track is a clear example.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Smash Mouth - Who's There

Song: Who's There
Artist: Smash Mouth
Album: Astro Lounge
Genre: Alternative Rock
Year: 1999

I could have posted other songs of Smash Mouth that you should know (as Why can't we be friends?, All Star or Walking On The Sun) but... I'm sorry. I'm fond of this song since the first time I heard it on the radio station six years ago.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Neil Young - Cortez The Killer

Song: Cortez The Killer
Artist: Neil Young
Album: Decade
Genre: Rock
Year: 1990

Have you ever wondered how could be the perfect song? How could it sound like? What fealings will embrace you? What you'll think when you close your eyes and let your mind go? Maybe this is not that song for you... but I'm surely it will be quite approach to it.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Michel Camilo & Tomatito - Too Much / Love Theme

Song: Too Much / Love Theme
Artist: Michel Camilo & Tomatito
Album: Spain
Genre: Instrumental
Year: 2000

Again a Diego's recomendation (he has given me some good albums on the last weeks) and as I always say: "if you play something, do it from your heart". After listening this song, I think that they agree with that.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Triana - En el lago

Song: En el lago
Artist: Triana
Album: Una Historia
Genre: Rock, Spanish
Year: 1995

I was twelve years old when I gave my father this album for his birthday (with my mother's help). At that time, I was too young to realize what was good music and what was not (I hated this album), but I was starting to listen music as an hobby while enyoing it too much. Nowadays, ten years later, I've grown (at musical terms) and it's time to admit that he was right when he said that Triana (1976 - 1983) was one of the best bands that he had ever heard and it has become on of those albums that will always be at my iPod, no matter what happens. I guess that I've matured enough to understand this band.

(Artist official web)(People opinions at Amazon.com)

Vacazul - Tu

Song: Tu
Artist: Vacazul
Album: Viene Tiempos
Genre: Alternative Rock, Spanish
Year: 2004

I don't know much about this band except this album, but it's really good. A friend of mine recommended it to me and I'm happy for that. One thing: doesn't the album cover reminds you somehow to Dick Tracy comics?

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Kansas - Dust In The Wind

Song: Dust In The Wind
Artist: Kansas
Album: The Best Of Kansas
Genre: Rock
Year: 1984

While driving home the other day I heard this song at the radio station, but this time was different because it made me think about so many things that had happened on my life... and I became really sad. But that's another story.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

H.I.M. - Beautiful

Song: Beautiful
Artist: H.I.M.
Album: Deep Shadows And Brilliand Highlights
Genre: Alternative Rock
Year: 2004

If you heard this song and then someone tells you that it's from a finnish alternative-gothic-rock band called His Infernal Majesty, would you believe it? If you don't, then listen to this album and Razorblade Romance album's too (the ones that I think that are the best of them). If you do, listen them too.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Rebecca Cole - Big Cums

Song: Big Cums
Artist: Rebecca Cole
Album: Bloom
Genre: Alternative Rock
Year: 2004

If you don't know this girl, you should. It's, somehow, pure rock. It reminds me to those singers that just wanted to play in front of it's public, no matter what they had to do to get this aim.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

R.E.M. - Losing My Religion

Song: Losing My Religion
Artist: R.E.M.
Album: Out Of Time
Genre: Rock
Year: 1992

One of those mythicals bands that it's hard to choose just one song. But the guys of Rapid Eye Movement made one of the bests compositions ever with this track. Each part of it is as perfect as the way they fit toghether. Just so perfect, just so lovely.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Los Rodriguez - Por no olvidar

Song: Por no olvidar
Artist: Los Rodriguez
Album:Hasta Luego
Genre: Rock, Spanish
Year: 2001

Suddenly, thanks to the new live album from Andres Calamaro, I've remembered this great song. It's a really pitty that they got disolved.

(Artist official web)(People opinions at Amazon.com)

Sting - Shape Of My Heart

Song: Shape Of My Heart
Artist: Sting
Album: Ten Summoner's Tales
Genre: Rock
Year: 1993

The soul of The Police is, nowadays, one of the most respected and admired figures of music. At this album, you realize about the joy they feal while playing and, as a consequence, the unique touch that Sting is able to impreg in all his compositions.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

David Holmes - $160 Million Chinese Man

Song: $160 Million Chinese Man
Artist: David Holmes
Album: Ocean's Eleven Soundtrack
Genre: Soundtrack, Electronic, Jazz
Year: 2001

A very good burglary film with an incredible eclectic soundtrack. It fits perfectly on every shot and scene of the film and gives an extra energy to the related subject. And the best of all is that, if you listen to any track of the soundtrack, you'll remember the exact moment where it sounds at the film. Isn't it great pleasure?

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Feature Cast - Channel Surfing

Song: Channel Surfing
Artist: Feature Cast
Album: Straight Out The Cat (Scoop Three)
Genre: Alternative Rock
Year: 2003

If you know how to dance the break dance, beat-boying or those kind of genres, you'll love this song. If you don't (like most humans) just enjoy the rhythm.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Morcheeba - World Lookin In

Song: World Lookin In
Artist: Morcheeba
Album: Fragments Of Freedom
Genre: Alternative Rock, Trip-Hop
Year: 2000

I have a lot of albums of this band, but I just like this one. The others... maybe the trash is a good place to store them. I guess that there is people that loves them a lot, but I don't. For me this album is the exception, with a few incredible tracks (not all songs that appear at the album... just few of them).

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Mike Oldfield - Family Man

Song: Family Man
Artist: Mike Oldfield
Album: The Complete
Genre: Rock
Year: 1998

A classic track that you've heard many many times. If you don't realize about it, ask your father or mother...

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Vangelis - Love Theme

Song: Love Theme
Artist: Vangelis
Album: Blade Runner Soundtrack
Genre: Soundtrack, Electronic, Orchestral
Year: 1982

I'm very fond of Vangelis. He is one of the first soundtrack composers I ever knew and his tracks are usually at the most played list. I also have to admit that this is my favourite movie, so... I think I was forced to post this entry.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Evanescence - My Inmortal

Song: My Inmortal
Artist: Evanescence
Album: Fallen
Genre: Alternative Rock
Year: 2003

A mellodical track hidden inside a gothic-hard-rock album. If you think about it, it's not that strange. Everybody has good and bad moments. And if you are a music compositor, the way to express your feelings is writting lyrics and playing sounds from your heart. So, if your are really really sad, the result can be something like this.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Jamiroqai - Spend A Lifetime

Song: Spend A Lifetime
Artist: Jamiroquai
Album: Travelling Withouth Moving
Genre: R&B, Funky
Year: 1997

You have moved your feet on dance floor with Jamiro, but now it's time to be melancholic. Didn't you know? Yes, he also knows how to make sweet and lovely songs.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Thirteen Senses - Into The Fire

Song: Into The Fire
Artist: Thireteen Senses
Album: The Invitation
Genre: Pop - Rock
Year: 2005

This sound could be quite familiar to you. Maybe Keane would be the reference shining on your mind. And it's true: they are similar... but no so much. I mean, there is a new hole wave and producers are releasing new bands each week (as their job, they must do it). Now it's your turn to decide which are the best ones and which ones are just fakes. In my case, I'll give a chance to this guys.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Ringside - Struggle

Song: Struggle
Artist: Ringside
Album: Ringside
Genre: Alternative Rock
Year: 2005

When you'll check the reviews of this album you'll realize that the most common word used to descrive it is "addictive". And it's true because once you listen it, you just want to listen it again and again.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Rectangle - Teotihuacan

Song:Teotihuacán
Artist: Rectantle
Album: Bunker
Genre: Alternative Rock
Year: 2000

I've been a long time trying to discover who the hell was the band that composed that track. And I've been really blind because it was on Amazon all this time!

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Snow Patrol - Run

Song: Run
Artist: Snow Patrol
Album: Final Straw
Genre: Alternative Rock
Year: 2004

This could had been one of the best albums of last year... if they have had as much publicity as other bands have. A very complete mellodical band and an incredible work composed on this album.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Devendra Banhart - Korean Dogwood

Song:Korean Dogwood
Artist: Devendra Banhart
Album: Cripple Crow
Genre: Indie, Rock
Year: 2005

The hippie rock-hater that is causing a new movement on independent music. You can like this south-american singer or you can hate him, but it won't me indiferent to your ears.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Raul Midon - State Of Mind

Song: State Of Mind
Artist: Raul Midon
Album: State Of Mind
Genre: Soul, R&B
Year: 2005

Trying to find some Letterman videos on the net, I found a live performance of this blind man (completely unknown to me). Nedless to say that I was stunned by his interpretation, so I needed to take a closer look to his album. The truth is that I was expecting too much after watching him singing that way and I was a little bit dissapointed after listening the album. I don't know if it's my fault for expecting so much or because the album misses some touch that makes it special.

Here you have the link to the live performance of Raul Midon at Letterman's Late Show. Enjoy!.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Moby - God Moving Over The Face Of The Waters

Song: God Moving Over The Face Of The Waters
Artist: Moby
Album: Everything Is Wrong
Genre: Eclectic, Electronic, Neo-Classical
Year: 1995

Everybody knows Play, 18 and Hotel albums (the three last ones), but not this one. And it's a real pitty because it contains such amazing tracks as this one, which can be considered as the perfect song.


It can be listened, for example, at Heat on the last sequence of the film or at Syriana's trayler (the last George Clooney's film).

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

David Gray - Please Forgive Me

Song: Please Forgive Me
Artist: David Gray
Album: White Loader
Genre: Rock
Year: 2000

As an Amazon review explains: this album is pure beauty. And it's true.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Late Night Alumi - Empty Streets

Song: Empty Streets
Artist: Late Night Alumi
Album: Empty Streets
Genre: Electronic, House
Year: 2005

This summer, a girl gave me a dj session where appeared this song as the third track. I spent a lot of time trying to find which was it's title until yesterday, when I listened it on the radio for the first time. I have to admit it's worth listening to the hole album even though you don't like dance or house music because you'll be pretty good surprised. You'll find a lot of genres well mixed: from chill out to house music, passing by trip-hop.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Jose Gonzalez - Hints

Song: Hints
Artist: José González
Album: Veneer
Genre: Folk
Year: 2005

To be lucky is important in life. And if a big company like Sony thinks that one song (Heartbeats) from your last album is pefect for his last tv spot (the one where they throw 250.000 coloured balls on a San Francisco street), then you'll have a lot of free advertising. Above that marketing intro, we have to admit that this is an incredible folk album. It reminds me too much as Damien Rice - o.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

South - Paint the silence

Song: Paint the silence
Artist: South
Album: From here on in
Genre: Alternative Rock
Year: 2002

I've had this track for so long time but I don't get tired of listening it. I just have this tune of the band and I'm always begging for more but, at the end, everything gets out of my mind. They published another album in 2003. I guess it's time to take a closer look.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Staind - Price to play

Song: Price to play
Artist: Staind
Album: Shades of Grey
Genre: Hard Rock
Year: 2003

This band started really strong, supported by Limp Bizkit's leader, but they felt down as time passed by (at least on Europe). Even though, they made really good songs. On this track, I love the pain restrained that livens up the air while room's temperature reaches it's top at the end when everything explodes. Wow!

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Scissor Sisters - Mary

Song: Mary
Artist: Scissor Sisters
Album: Scissor Sisters
Genre: Alternative Rock
Year: 2004

Retro look and 60's disco beats. This album was one of the best surprises of last '04 summer. I wanted to post the slow tune of the album 'cause it reminds me somehow to Elton John early begining.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Pepe Deluxe - Salami Fever

Song: Salami Fever
Artist: Pepe Deluxe
Album: Beatitude
Genre: Alternative Rock
Year: 2003

A frenetic rhythm impregnates this song. Playing so many different tempos and beats (as the album title reflects) but structured on the right way. Quite funny too. I discovered it thanks to a Ray Ban tv spot.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Ok Go - You're so damn hot

Song: You're So Damn Hot
Artist: Ok Go
Album: Ok Go
Genre: Alternative Rock
Year: 2002

A happy and funny rock song, thinking about 70's when everybody was cool!

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Madonna - Get Together

Song: Get Together
Artist: Madonna
Album: Confessions on a Dance Floor
Genre: Dance
Year: 2005

The Queen of Pop came back a few weeks ago with a new album... and do we have to add her a new qualification as the Queen of Dance ? What an incredible tribute she has done to Dance music! Wow! It was long time ago since I enjoyed not a Madonna's album so much! I guess that no one on this planet has the hability to re-invent himself as much as Madonna does, continuously adapting her music with new times. I love the idea of mixing all tracks as if it was just only one session.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Ernestine Anderson - It Don't Mean A Thing (If You Ain't Got That Swing)

Song: It Don't Mean A Thing (If You Ain't Got That Swing)
Artist: Ernestine Anderson
Album: Hello Like Before
Genre: Jazz
Year: 1989

I gues it's Jazz time, because it's the fifth consecutive post of this genre. This time, it's a well known song. Do you know any jazz singer who hasn't versioned this tune? I gues not. The one that concernes us, it's a dizzy and quite fast played version. Very funny and pefect for dancing (except for me, I'm not able to move that way!).

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Nina Simone - Tell me more and more and then some

Song: Tell me more and more and then some
Artist: Nina Simone
Album: After Hours
Genre: Slow Jazz
Year: 1995

From one Diva to another. Isn't it cool? The title of the album is perfect to describe those emotions. Imagine you are sitting on a dive bar after a really hard-bad day, drinking a whisky all alone. Then, a big black woman starts singing on the scene while an old black man plays his black grand piano. Well, certainly that would be the song you'll be hearing.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Carmen McRae - T'aint Nobody's Bizness If I Do

Song: T'aint Nobody's Bizness If I Do
Artist: Carmen McRae
Album: Best Of
Genre: Jazz, Blues
Year: 1995

One of my Jazz Diva's par excellence. This song is old, really old, and it appears on a lot of albums. But I've wanted to post this version 'cause I think it's the best one. Why? Well... you have to listen it to realize what I'm talking about. First of all, the song really worths it. Second, because The Diva is completely engaged with the song. And last one (and the most important too): it's live and there's a tremendous complicity between diva and public (you maybe will not listen such an incredible complicity again).
Enjoy it.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Bobby McFerrin - Thinking About Your Body

Song: Thinking About Your Body
Artist: Bobby McFerrin
Album: Spontaneous Inventions
Genre: Vocal Jazz
Year: 1990

You won't believe it until you hear it! There's only one man singing on this song. No instruments. No electric effects. Just his versatile voice and percusion on his body. Funny but incredible at the same time. You'll love it.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Charlie Hunter Trio - Greasy Granny

Song: Greasy Granny
Artist: Charlie Hunter Trio
Album: Bing, Bing, Bing!
Genre: Instrumental Jazz
Year: 1995

Great song (I've listened it today for the fist time, even though it was on my iPod for a long time). Perfect to be used as a show anthem. You'll realize why when you listened to it.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Franco Sansalone - Amore, Amaro

Song: Amore, Amaro
Artist: Franco Sansalone
Album: Wolf's Rain O.S.T. 2
Genre: Soundtrack, Blues, Italian
Year: 2004

I don't know much people who know about this man and this song. A dark piano and hoarsed voice singing on italian. Isn't it a sensation of pure sadness? Darkness? Loneliness? It's the second time that I post a song of this album, but I thought I had to do it!.

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Eddie Floyd - Knock On Wood

Song: Knock On Wood
Artist: Eddie Floyd
Album: Knock On Wood
Genre: Soul
Year: 1991

Everybody has listened to it. You've listened too. Don't you?

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)

Herbie Hancock - A Song For You

Song: A Song For You
Artist: Herbie Hancock
Album: Possibilities
Genre: Pop Rock
Year: 2005

The new album of a piano/keyboard legend, now helped with some friends(?) voices. At this song, Christina Aguilera makes her best (we all know that she has an incredible voice, even though she doesn't know how to compose a song).

(Artist official web) (People opinions at Amazon.com)