Spoken Word music you will love

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  • NORM SHERMAN: Norm Sherman

    NORM SHERMAN: Norm Sherman

    I'm not sure that people realize how difficult it is to write a funny song. We're seeing a lot of comedians picking up the guitar these days, and a lot of them have a hard time making the transition from cracking wise to crafting an effective, humorous piece of music. Well, this gent leaves the one-liners alone and instead relies on dry wit and timing that work perfectly with the subtle, jangly, bluegrass-y brand of guitar playing that he incorporates as his backdrop. The deadpan delivery with which he delivers lines like "There's a fetus in your kitchen/ I'm not hungry anymore" is so controlled and delicate, it can't help but add a certain majesty to it all. Along these lines, it's worth mentioning that the music here is actually pretty darn good. But, it's the lyrics that are most likely to grab your attention. There's torrid tales of dates gone wrong, traditional narrative ballads, and some tunes that, if not for the "blue" language, would border on semi-educational. It's tough to bridge the gap between intelligent social commentary and slightly low-brow human anatomy jokes, but Norm's well on his way to making it happen.

    CD price: $12.00 / MP3 price: $9.00

  • SHANELLE GABRIEL: Start Something

    SHANELLE GABRIEL: Start Something

    On "A Message To My Girls," the opening flow-strong, loosely poetic monologue that kicks off this incendiary and soulful 14 song spoken word CD, Gabriel opens up, taking a telling-it-like-it-is approach and expanding it, reaching to encompass a steady and street wise vision of what could be. "Keep your heads up and your skirts down," she says, issuing a well-intentioned challenge to girls who may be more interested in rap videos than earning and preserving their right to think for and respect themselves. While her views may come across as somewhat idealistic, there are appropriate pragmatic undertones in her words and delivery that ascend any trace of didacticism that could only bog this down. Her voice is pure, and her handle on language and rhythm is really pushed to the limit by the wide variety of styles she chooses to take on. Some songs are a cappella poetry, while others are sophisticated slow jams where she easily proves her prowess as a singer. It takes a special talent to effectively blend spoken word with music, and it's even more impressive to hear someone take it on with such passion and honesty. She's got a lot to say, and she's found a compelling and intelligent way to share her thoughts with us.

    CD price: $10.00 / MP3 price: $10.00

  • MIKE DAILY: ALARM

    MIKE DAILY: ALARM

    This double CD and accompanying 212 page novel is a package, a gripping excursion of spoken word and experimental sounds that delves deeply into the broken mess of a society that is all-consuming but seems to need nothing. Told from two different but simultaneously engaged perspectives, this lyrically dense and aurally compelling collection of songs is a soundtrack abstract, a cohesive yet jagged splicing of stark voices, flits, buzzes, instruments and found sounds that evoke time and place, while instinctively reflecting the ever-changing perspective of the narrator(s). The first CD is studio recordings, offering a more controlled environment that allows the density of the words to run free on the palate, jutting in and out while matching inflexion with the various percussive background elements. The second disc is a field recording, a live semi-improvised set that adds a raw element to the songs and provides ever ascending levels of grit and intensity. Filled with humor, wit, and a frightening comfort, this multifaceted collection is a spot-on dedication to modern life and its charmingly fastidious tendencies.

    CD price: $13.99 / MP3 price: $9.99

  • ATHENS BOYS CHOIR: Jockstraps and Unicorns

    ATHENS BOYS CHOIR: Jockstraps and Unicorns

    Offering a truly unique perspective on good times, bad times, and life in general, this is some infinitely eye opening spoken word that covers an amazing amount of ground in just 13 tracks. Don't let the name throw you too far off: ABC is actually Katz, an out transsexual man who thrives and resides in the Deep South. As if this alone isn't enough of a satisfyingly interesting dichotomy, he takes it an unexpected step further by incorporating humor and dry wit into his easy flowing but meticulously crafted wordplay. The backing tracks keep it fresh, moving from pop to hip hop, guitar to piano, rambling jams to nothing at all. He shows prowess no matter what the format, breaking down the existing rhythms or creating his own with ease. The lyrics are calculated but never formulaic, stories of real life that are unique in their specific details, but filled with pain and laughter that are universal in their empathetic execution. It's this welcoming vibe that makes this such a compelling listen, a truly original take on life from a man who has seen some struggles but is more than confident that it's all been worth it.

    CD price: $12.97 / MP3 price: $12.97

  • BAHMAN SOLATI: Rumi Poetry of Love

    BAHMAN SOLATI: Rumi Poetry of Love

    While poets may rarely become household names the way musicians and bands do, Rumi is one of those exceptions, recognized among novices and newcomers, perhaps because of his ability to transcend cultural, spiritual and economic borders. Featuring readings of this 13th century Persian poet, jurist, and theologian whose name literally means "Majesty of Religion,” this disc presents poems read by Bahman Solati, a PhD candidate in Persian Literature at the University of Manchester. Read without translation and with regional background music supporting the themes and sentiments, “Rumi Poetry of Love” beautifully portrays the passion for words and eloquence of heartfelt communication so unique to this man who was not only an influential poet but a powerful spiritualist as well. This disc is a rare treat.

    CD price: $12.97 / MP3 price: $12.97

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