Continuing the series of self-indulgent posts, I wanted to mention a couple more musicians that I have really enjoyed in the last year. I’ll post some other things I have enjoyed besides music soon…

Joshua James:

Here is another laid-back folk artist that I really enjoy listening to. Joshua James has a voice that could be described as tender or vulnerable, but this doesn’t stop him from the occasion belting out. His songs have a nice blend of storytelling with commentary and emotion surrounding his lyrical themes. I think the aspect of his music that I enjoy the most is the vulnerability that his voice communicates (reminds me of a softer, smoother version of David Gray, minus the Irish). 

Currently, James only has a one major album, a b-sides collection, as well as a Christmas album (which has some great songs for those who enjoy a quite, reflective mood around the holidays). For those who enjoy simple, acoustic, quality songwriting, I would recommend giving Joshua James a listen.

Over the Rhine:

Over the Rhine is an exciting, Christian, husband/wife duo coming out of Ohio. If you are a fan of a jazzy sound like Norah Jones, then you will like Over the Rhine, trust me. The vocals are mainly from Karin Bergquist and are really quite exceptional. OTR has been around for a decade or more, and their musical journey is one that seems to have wandered all over the place. Starting out a local wonders to opening for Bob Dylan, flirting with a rock sound, then trying something almost adult contemporary, these talented musicians seem to have found their niche with a jazz influenced, brassy sound that most anyone would enjoy. In spite of a small group of  diehard fans, Over the Rhine is still largely unheard of (at least in my circle) but I think they would be appreciated by a wide spectrum of listeners.

If you are interested, I would recommend their latest studio album, Trumpet Child. OTR also has some great Christmas albums: the piano-driven Snow Angels and the melancholy, but hopeful Darkest Night of the Year.

MIKA:

If you had the impression that I only like the acoustic, singer-songwriter sound, one listen to MIKA will (embarrassingly) show my musical tastes are not that limited. MIKA is a Freddy Mecury (remember Queen, or Wayne’s World?) clone with unbelievable range. He is of Lebanese/Syrian descent, trained as an opera singer in Paris and based out of England. His music is nicotine-level addicting, most likely annoying to many. 

Even though he seems to have borrowed much from Mecury and Elton John, MIKA stills seems, in todays music, world to be refreshingly unique. His flare and dramatics, while unquestionable odd, appear authentic and are even endearing. His songs are guaranteed to either drive a person crazy or make you want to laugh and dance around (I fall into the latter category, along with my kids). If you have had a bad day, listened to too much consecutive melancholy music, need a song for an aerobics class, or just want to smile, give MIKA a chance.