Good Music...A Defining Answer

In my last post "Research? How About Just Listen," I wrote about the latest 'scientific research' which tells us today's pop music is boring, simple and basically uninspired. I also gave a few suggestions for good music, and have since been hearing a whole lot of "well, what about..." and "how could you not include...?"

Was there any specific criteria on which I based what I consider good. Hell no. If you hadn't noticed, check out the name in the title of the blog. My name, my blog, my rules...Kat's rules. By the way, those rules are subject to change, depending on my mood and for whom they are intended ;)

Basically, good music must make me feel something. It doesn't need to be a masterpiece, but it must be passionate. It doesn't need to be complicated, but it must speak to me. It doesn't need to move mountains, but it needs to move me.

In saying that, let me offer a few more good music selections

Elton John "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" ...complex, yes. but so moving and powerful
Smokey Robinson & the Miracles "Ooh Baby Baby" ...not at all complex, just smooth and soulful
Kenny Wayne Shepherd "Blue on Black" ...smokey blues, killer vocal, great chorus...all you need
Frank Sinatra "The Way You Look Tonight" ...good music isn't just rock, soul, or the blues. it's classics and classical as well.

Maybe it's time to expand your horizons. You may not like it all...but then again you just might.

Just taste it.

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A Night With Sister Sparrow & The Dirtybirds

Bowery Ballroom, Manhattan.

Sister Sparrow & the Dirtybirds are a nine-piece band fronted by one sassy as hell singer with a huge voice.  Arleigh Kinchloe is Sister Sparrow.  The Dirtybirds are definitely not her backup band. Each of the boys brings their own tasty morsels to the table. No basic instrument lineup here, they start with an alto sax, trombone, baritone sax, trumpet...add in guitar, bass and drums...and finish it with harmonica used as a main event.  Nice indeed.

Blues, soul, rock...call it what you will, but they are a tight group with talent, great musicianship and an exciting stage presence. As the main writer for the group, Sister Sparrow has created some interesting ways to present her vocal style.  The Dirtybirds, comprised of family and friends, are individually showcased through the set, allowing you to feel the strengths of each member. Tasty as hell.  A couple of covers, "Up On Cripple Creek" and most notably The Stones, "Miss You," also show their skills of arrangement and interpretation.

Review: Make them a go-see.

Some extra samples today.

"Make It Rain"
"Untie My Shoelaces"
"Freight Train"
"Quicksand"

 Taste them all.


Opening act for Sister Sparrrow & the Dirtybirds was American Babies. Quick review...up & down. Some memorable moments. Their keyboardist Adam Flicker is certainly the real deal, and their harmonies were better than decent, but beyond that...an opening act.

For the story of the evening leading up to this show...check out "Oy, What A Night" on Kat's Theory of Life.

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