Music Love Affair 

When YouTube Gets It Right II

September 18, 2018

MASEGO – NAVAJO (A COLORS SHOW)

Why does love have to be such a pain sometimes?

​

I may have been away for a while but my ears have been working and searching for that melody or hook that seems to just find its way to my soul. YouTube got it right again with another “Recommended for you” video. This time it was Masego’s performance of his single Navajo on A COLORS SHOW.

​

It doesn’t happen too often for me where a song is perfectly in sync instrumentally as well as vocally and lyrically. This was one of those rare gems that will be going straight to my top list of songs and performances.

​

He begins with pre-recording backing vocal lines: “Navajo,” “Now I know,” “There she go,” “Pay up,” and just like that, a glimpse of what’s to come. The song begins with a higher-pitched sample of The Beatles’ Michelle, “I love you. I love you. I love you. Until I find a way…” The pain of falling in love with a beautiful different, close enough to have them in your dreams and under your skin but far enough to see truths that you rather wouldn’t have wanted to.

​

Watching Masego perform this song is a truly worthwhile experience. He delivered it with such soul and heart that I felt like I was on a dual-journey; one where I was the therapist hearing this man pour his heart out about his one-sided heartbreak, and the other where I was a friend with him as he walks through his mind and soul, recalling the moments of observation and realization, like “Hey, do you see what I’m seeing too?”

It’s not a Masego joint without some Masego-ness right? So of course he added some character and flair towards the end of the song where his saxophone part comes in but instead delivers it vocally via his gold saxophone chain stating that he really did play the sax on the track but the real instrument was left at home. Look, extra vocals from Masego? I am not complaining at all! It is a stunning feat wonderfully delivered.

When YouTube Gets It Right 1

July 31, 2018

Tom Misch - NPR Tiny Desk Concert

Every now and again YouTube's "Recommended for you" videos suggests something you might actually like. Here's this week's YouTube successful suggestion that I can now recommend to you. Today's selection is Tom Misch's NPR Tiny Desk Concert performance. I heard the guitar, I heard the keys, I heard the drums and the strings. I heard that voice and I fell in love. Tom Misch has this undeniable way of delivering music that just resonates with some experience you had once in your life. It makes you move and maybe shed a tear but it is every second worth it! If you like this video, you should check out Tom's other works on Soundcloud like Beat Tape 1, Geography and the EP called 5-Day Mischon where Misch collaborated with fellow musicians each day to create a five-track project in five days. Tom has worked with some amazing artists such as Loyle Carner, Kaidi Akinnibi, Zak Abel and Novelist. Misch's sound is a blend of soul, disco, hip-hop and R&B that throws in the elements of jazz and blues to serenade you, make you move and feel. Well done YouTube and hats off to you Mr. Misch. You have a new fan.

Album recommendation

August 01, 2018

Antonio Carlos Jobim - Stone Flower (1970)

​

This has become one of my favourites in the past few months. I happened to stumble upon it when I accidentally clicked the wrong video link on YouTube. The song was "Tereza My Love". The best way for me to describe this record is simply beautiful. The title track paints the picture of life - endless movements with moments to let go and just enjoy what's in front of you. My personal favourites are, Sabiá, Brazil, God and the Devil In the Land of the Sun and Tereza My Love. Jobim's quirky piano chords in some of his songs accompanied by the equally raw and real singing he incorporates makes this an album for anyone to singalong to, even with your little to non-existent Portuguese. The key is to just allow the music to make you feel. Bossa Nova has become a go-to genre when I need to unwind and shake my hips a little. So if you have a couple of minutes on your hands, do take a listen for yourself and enjoy this classic.