“And so castles made of sand
Fall in the sea eventually” (Jimi Hendrix - Castles Made of Sand, 1967)
So wrote and sang Jimi Hendrix back in 1967.
Very often, what musicians and other artists create are exactly that- castles made of sand that disappear. The reasons for the art or music to disappear can vary - not enough quality there, or simply not enough elements to remember them by, past the moment we see it or hear it, or even, something else, new and seemingly shiny come along.
Still, for the artists and musicians it turns into a guessing game, talent or no talent to create. So many elements there that can make their sand castles stand up to the test of time.
Ryan Hamilton - Haunted By The Holy Ghost
Singer-songwriter Ryan Hamilton seems to conjure some spiritual stuff here to make this classic-like rocker stand out. He does it with quite a class and aplomb, yet time will tell.
Waking Bear - Running
This quintet prefers the more paced running style, and they seem to be pacing themselves quite well here sticking to the motto that simple is usually more complex and brings better results.
Taj Mahal - Gee Baby Ain’t I Good To You
Blues and world music veteran Taj Mahal still has quite a few of his sand castles standing up, and rightfully so, Here he goes for a blues New Orleans jazz style and makes sure that this true castle will stand the test of time.
OTRA - Dream Machine
This sister duo from the Frisco Bay Area definitely creates a dream machine with some great vocal harmonies and really inventive arrangements that include everything from synths to clarinets but doesn’t overpower the song itself.
The Zephyrs - Blue In The Face
Another set of veterans, this time from Scotland go for the more seasoned psych-pop style and they seem to have it in their small fingers, as the song its vocals and guitars glide through with complete ease.
Numun - Vespers
Creating instrumental music with substance is an art in itself and this band which includes members of ambient Americana pioneers Suss goes a long way to show that there’s so much free space to experiment with elements of roots music.
Fagelle - Kroppen
It makes no difference whether you understand Swedish or not, the feel and spirit of this somewhat dark song from experimentalist Fagelle, joined here by Swedish punk icon JOAKIM THÅSTRÖM just floats up in the air like a (dark) feather.
Joshua Henry - Can’t Nobody Tell Us Nothin’
Henry comes out with a soul belter that starts cool and slow and then suddenly comes up with a series of vocal crescendos and back. And although he’s a relative newcomer, he does it as if he’s been around for decades.
Big Brave - carriers, farriers, and knaves
It doesn’t necessarily have to be pleasant to sound good, seems to be Big Brave’s motto here, including heavy metal and drone elements here in their usually always-on-the-edge mesh. It still works.
Doug Paisley - Sometimes It’s So Easy
Canadian roots crooner Paisley proves the title of this song produced by another great talent that goes under the alias of Bahamas. The easy element comes from having both the talent and capabilities to express them. Should be on any driving playlist.