Thursday, May 28, 2009

Over The Rhine - A Storm Boy Favorite

I remember hearing my first Over The Rhine song. I had just peeled off the plastic wrapping that was now resting in the floor of the car. There was a light rain falling as I turned onto the freeway, for a long, restful drive home. The song, The World Can Wait, emanated from the speakers… Piano keys were gracefully played, a woman’s beautiful voice called out, and the music swelled… I was in love.
Linford Detweiler's lyrics have a prose and intelligence that I've rarely found in music, and Karen Bergquist's beautiful voice can deliciously play with each vowel or syllable and seductively exude each insightful lyric. A quality of Over The Rhine’s music that I love, is how their songs can have this great spiritual quality to them, but also convey great sensuality. With their more recent releases, they have chosen to embrace a minimalist and often delicate approach to their music, which only brings the lyrics even more into the forefront.
The lyrics can be playful - “Let’s spend the day in bed; forget all that I said; we’ll eat your favorite pie; ice cream on the side; lie here a la mode; and just stay home.” (“Let’s Spend The Day In Bed” from the CD The Trumpet Child.)
They can also be poignant - “You’re an ache she’s learned to crave; you’re a bleed too dull to ache; but she cuts herself on you every night; she’s just dying to lay down and die.” (“She” from the CD Ohio.)
And very seductive - “The body is a book of matches, a little fire is required of this kindling flame; Ohio Blue Tip Strike Anywhere; strike me anywhere.” (“The Body is a Stairway of Skin” from the CD Film For Radio.)
If you like well written lyrics, sung and performed beautifully… then may I humbly suggest giving Over The Rhine a listen. (Click on the link below to enjoy music from their 2003 CD, Ohio.)
Ohio album by Over The Rhine
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The Morning Muse

Stranded Under Endless Sky - The 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month - 6:30 to 9 PM. www.kafmradio.org

Many years ago, growing weary of what was being played on commercial radio, and also getting fed up with 15-minute-long commercial breaks, I decided to explore the varied and wonderful world of indie music. By doing this, I was able to build up an unusual and diverse music library. When I moved to the valley, I was lucky that someone encouraged me to give KAFM a listen.

I started doing The Morning Muse in the summer of 2007. Being repulsed by popular or top-40 radio, I make a conscious effort to play non-mainstream artists, who deserve but rarely get air-play on the radio. Also being opposed to peppy or upbeat music early in the morning, or most any other time, I decided to play low-key music.

The styles I play are: Americana, indie pop, and folk, with low-key rock and alternative music. I try to keep the music tranquil but varied, with some edge sneaking in from time to time. I also have an ear for lyrics that often are on the more melancholy or poignant end of the spectrum. (There is a reason I call myself the Storm Boy.)

I love it when people say to me, “I love that music, but I’ve never heard of that artist!” And I would love to hear from listeners who have an opinion or could give recommendations of artists to play on Stranded Under Endless Sky.