Retrograde by James Blake
You know, I've kept hearing James Blake's name in the past couple of years and when I would see his pictures, I thought he was akin to musicians like Justin Bieber;)
And then, just recently, Slate came up with a a map that represented the most played songs in each state within the United States:
James Blake's name came up as the most played in New York. And my friend drew me to this fact, so I had to research more. Let me tell you, I'm a huge James Blake fan now! Yep, I admit, his babyface made me dismiss his sound, but I'm glad I was forced to looked below that surface.
He's got these sparse electronic beats, a soulful voice, and a pace that slows down life just a little bit more than usual.
The first song I was introduced to was 'Retrogade.' Yes, retrograde: moving backward...slowly, maybe stopping time for just an instant. His falsetto speaks to a vulnerability about the words he is sharing and just like that, it drew me in right away. Maybe because there's such an intimacy to what he's saying:
"Don't let the hurdle fall
So be the girl you loved, be the girl you loved...
I'll wait, so show me while you're strong
Ignore everybody else, we're alone now"
When I listen, I feel like I'm being allowed into this beautifully private conversation where a couple is speaking with each other. And one is gently giving permission to the other to be who she is while he's opening up at the same time with his voice. It's that progression of getting deeper into the relationship.The piano looping in the back has these gospel chords and with it, I get even more connected. Speak that truth, James:
And then, just recently, Slate came up with a a map that represented the most played songs in each state within the United States:
James Blake's name came up as the most played in New York. And my friend drew me to this fact, so I had to research more. Let me tell you, I'm a huge James Blake fan now! Yep, I admit, his babyface made me dismiss his sound, but I'm glad I was forced to looked below that surface.
He's got these sparse electronic beats, a soulful voice, and a pace that slows down life just a little bit more than usual.
The first song I was introduced to was 'Retrogade.' Yes, retrograde: moving backward...slowly, maybe stopping time for just an instant. His falsetto speaks to a vulnerability about the words he is sharing and just like that, it drew me in right away. Maybe because there's such an intimacy to what he's saying:
"Don't let the hurdle fall
So be the girl you loved, be the girl you loved...
I'll wait, so show me while you're strong
Ignore everybody else, we're alone now"
When I listen, I feel like I'm being allowed into this beautifully private conversation where a couple is speaking with each other. And one is gently giving permission to the other to be who she is while he's opening up at the same time with his voice. It's that progression of getting deeper into the relationship.The piano looping in the back has these gospel chords and with it, I get even more connected. Speak that truth, James:
Comments
Post a Comment