Music Review: Nelly Furtado – Mi Plan

After three albums in English, Grammy Award Winning Canadian-Portuguese Superstar Nelly Furtado has achieved one of her dreams by producing an album entirely in Spanish. Not that she hadn’t sung in Spanish before; of note are past collaborations with artists such as Juanes, Wisin & Yandel and Calle 13. I personally loved her Spanish song “No Hay Igual,” from her album Loose.

The time seems ripe for an entire album in Spanish; Nelly has been in the music business for a little over 10 years now, and has produced three acclaimed English albums: Whoa, Nelly, Folklore, and Loose. The last album counted for 10 million of the 18 million albums she has sold up to now.

Released on September 15, 2009, the new album features the same mix of sounds, genres and vocal styles Nelly is known to experiment with. The album also includes collaborations with Alejandro Fernández, Josh Groban, Juan Luis Guerra, Julieta Venegas, La Mala Rodríguez, Buika, and Alex Cuba. It was extremely well received, debuting at number 1 on the Billboard Latin Albums chart.

“I got so much joy out of recording this Spanish album; debuting at #1 is a dream come true,” says Nelly Furtado, who doesn’t consider Mi Plan a Latin album. Rather, she describes it as “music in Spanish for the world”. The album is described as a collection of songs full of rhythm, feeling and sensations aimed to hit the heart and soul of her audience, despite language.

The first single released from the album, “Manos al aire” (Hands in the air), is already at the top of many charts. Actually, it started at the top of many charts. Released at the end of August, it was the number one single in Central America for its first two weeks, number two in Germany, number three in the US and in Puerto Rico, was in the top five in Italy and Switzerland and was in the top 10 in Latin America and Spain. And this, despite the fact that the song is in Spanish and that, in many of the countries mentioned above, Spanish isn’t the native language.

Don’t try convincing me that enough Spanish-speaking people live in Germany to explain it become number one there!

And that’s not it: the accompanying video reached the top 10 within two weeks of its release on iTunes’ favorite videos in the US. You can check it out on YouTube. (This video has English subtitles for those of you who have yet to brush up on your Spanish.)

Guess what? That’s not it, either! Nelly Furtado has also made history by being the first North American artist reaching number one on Billboard’s Hot Latin Song Chart with a song that was originally written in Spanish, and not a translated version of an English song.

Pretty intense year for Nelly, wouldn’t you say? But then again, what else could we expect from the singer whose last album, Loose was the number one global album seller in 2007?

It’s no wonder, then, that my expectations were very high when I finally got my hands on this album and popped it into a CD player. And I wasn’t disappointed; from the first notes of the album’s first track, Manos al aire, I was caught. And, although my Spanish is a lot rustier than I will ever admit it to be, the few sentences I caught made me want to find out more – and out came the Spanish-English dictionary.

I really wish I had brushed up on my Spanish before listening to Mi Plan.

The album is a great collection of songs that reflect Nelly’s unique style. They also do justice to her unique voice as well as her evolution as an artist in the 10 years she has been in the music industry. I have the impression Nelly might be of one the few artists who is not solely focused on selling, but rather, is as a natural consequence of making quality music. This would explain why, even as each album is uniquely her, they are quite different from one another as she puts herself out there and experiments with various sounds, styles, and genres. She is a talented young woman and her voice is always as great as ever to listen to, suited for singing in English as well as in Spanish.

There are 11 songs on the album, of which I loved seven, liked three and only one made it on my ‘Meh’ list (on which go songs that I don’t mind listening to if it happens to be on but that I wouldn’t go around requesting). Overall, this is a great album I would recommend purchasing. Or, if budgets are tight, I would recommend at least buying the single Manos al aire’.

Although I loved it and hope she will keep exploring singing in Spanish, I’m also happy to report that another English album is in the works, and that she is working with Timbaland on it. Which is good, after the success of 2007’s Promiscuous with Timbaland. And who could forget Give it to me’ produced by Timbaland and featuring Justin Timberlake?

The CD is a great companion; something great to have on during the day at work, or when you have friends over. The beats are mostly up tempo, except for a song or two. The Spanish lyrics rolls off Nelly’s tongue; her voice was made for both English and Spanish, it seems. Which makes me wonder if she could pull off French. After all, she is Canadian, and Canada is officially a bilingual country.

Maybe I should email her with a personal request.

You can visit Nelly’s site and follow her on Twitter. Her fourth studio album, her first one entirely in Spanish, hit stores on September 15.

(Review originally posted on Blogcritics)

Music Review: Various Artists – Playing for Change: Songs Around the World

We all know music conveys emotions and feelings that words alone cannot adequately convey. We also all know when used this way music can be a very powerful inspirational tool. Unfortunately, in light of recent developments in the music industry, where sales seem to be granted more importance than quality, music has become more of an enjoyment and nothing more.

How many songs from Britney Spears, The Pussycat Dolls or from Lady Gaga are inspirational, rather than catchy?

When I first heard about Playing for Change, the cynical little elf in me scoffed; it was convinced that perhaps this was yet another ploy to get my money by pandering to the good person in me who wants to help (and yes, there is a good person, somewhere in here…).

The first thing you see when you open the packaging is the following quote: “As a human race we come together for birth, we come together for death. What brings us together in between is up to us. Stop and listen to the universal language of music and bring that positive energy with you everywhere you go.” The quote is surrounded by pictures of musicians, singers, audiences, music recording and photography gear, every one beaming and happy. Again, the little elf scoffs: “What good marketing!”

But after I press play, he becomes more hesitant. From the first words spoken and the first notes played, the CD is engaging. The quality of the sound is crystalline; the melody is seamless and flowing, with a mostly upbeat rhythm throughout most of the CD. The first song is a remake of “Stand by Me;” the second is a remake of “One Love,” but the third is an original called “War/No More Trouble” (which quickly becomes my favorite, and not just because it features Bono’s distinctive voice).

What makes the songs on this CD all the more inspiring is that they were put together by over 100 musicians and singers from around the world who had never met each other before. Yes, you read that right – these artists managed to put together an impressive record of songs without knowing who they were working with.

That’s when the little elf actually turned curious. Reading along, we find out that the songs on this CD were put together in the span of four years, during which a small crew traveled, with their filming and recording equipment, through the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Quite literally, they had brought together music and inspiration from the world around, all poured into this little CD case I was holding.

Let me tell you something: when the elf fell off his high cynic’s perch, he had to be taken to the hospital for multiple fractures. And this is a good thing, for we had yet to discover the adjoining DVD!

The Playing for Change CD/DVD set was released on April 28, 2009. It has fared pretty impressively in the five months since then. In the last 20 weeks, it peaked at number 1 on the BillBoard World Music Album Charts where it currently sit at number 3. “The success of Playing for Change illustrates the world’s desire for a truly authentic connection,” stated Concord Music Group co-owner Norman Lear. “Mark and his team brilliantly tapped into the collective undercurrent of change. We’re thrilled to help his beautiful vision become reality.”

Did I mention there was also a DVD of video clips included with the CD? The videos are all on YouTube, where they have been watched almost 20 million time (combined): the video for “War/No More Trouble” has been viewed almost 1,5 million times, the video for “Stand by Me” has been viewed almost 14 million times, and the video for “One Love” has been viewed a little over 2 million times. Check out their YouTube channel for other videos as well as some great interviews:

But wait! That’s not all. A series of concerts were held during the month of March 2009 in Austin, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, and New York City. They were so successful that another series of concerts has been planned in the coming months, which will take the group from Portland to Boston, to Milwaukee, Denver and Santa Fe, as well as in two major cities in Canada (Toronto & Vancouver).

The proceeds from concert ticket sales go towards the Playing for Change Foundation. Many music-related initiatives are supported by the Foundation, including building its first music school in Guguletu, South Africa. And, as the cherry on top of the sundae: Playing for Change was also featured on The Colbert Report in August 2009.

Although the movement itself is worth supporting through the purchase of this CD/DVD, I’m very happy to openly encourage everyone to buy it for the musical content itself. I have been playing the CD while typing out this review, which keeps getting interrupted by daydreams of peace and dancing in the African savanna. I have already purchased it for myself, have gotten it for a dozen of my friends as gift and am planning on getting it for another couple of people as their Christmas present.

And don’t worry about the little elf; he has recuperated beautiful and has joined the Playing for Change movement as a recording technician. If you attend one of the upcoming concerts, please tell him I said hi, and remind him that I need my CD back.

(First published on Blogcritics)

Music as a ladder to man’s nobility

I love music. I really do. I don’t play any instrument, and I definitely do not sing, but there is always music in my head and, when appropriate, on my laptop. I have so many songs that I purchased a pretty big external hard drive just for my music. I have hours upon hours of music that I go through at least once a month without ever (or almost never) pushing the ‘next’ button on my player.

But lately, as I have been delving more and more into the topic of transforming indivudals and neighborhoods, I find myself discontent with many, if not most of the music that I have. I can’t stand the sappy, superficial ballads about love anymore; they seem to make light of something much deeper than a mere physical and emotional relationship. Don’t get me started on the rap songs; even those with social messages are starting to get to me, since they all seem to weave swear words in their lyrics. My tolerance for angry rock songs is also abating; what’s the point of stroking my anger against all the social injustices to the point that I can’t think straight anymore?

All in all, most of the music available to us is hardly conducive to inspiring the inner nobility within each and everyone of us to come out.

Which is why I went on a search for inspirational music. While I love gospel songs, I wanted something other than the typical ‘inspirational’ music that seems to be out there. I might not like the lyrics, but I love good hip hop beats, and my foot always taps in rhythm with good rock beats.

Remember the series of posts on Putting the Humanity back into the Arts? Well, consider this the next stage: using arts to promote the inner human nobility. I turned back to my friend, MJ, and was delighted to find out she was part of the Fair Gardens initiative, which is: “a not-for-profit, grassroots organization that supports the development of the appreciation, explorations and utilization of the arts as essential aspects of spiritual empowerment and community building”.

I didn’t know what to expect when I first visited the website. Would I be disappointed at yet another thinly disguised artistic attempt at moralizing me? Or would I finally find songs that would answer to both my need for good music and lyrics that would inspire me rather than leave me in a status quo?

Suffice to say that I’m writing about it, so you can guess how the visit to that website turned out!

But, while I purchased most of the songs and play them continuously, I found a part of me missing good old hip hop beats and quality rapping. Which is where my friend Nabil steps in. Him and Karim have created a wonderful collection of songs that are totally unlike other uplifting songs you might have heard before. You might even hear a little Justin Timberlake-ish vibe in there. Check it out – you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

I’m going to continue my search for nobility-inspiring songs; if you find any, please let me know! Until then, here are two of my favorite Nabil & Karim songs – enjoy.

O God Guide me

If Thou Lovest me

Bon Jovi & Andy Madadian record ‘Stand by Me’ for Iranian people

From www.mydamnchannel.com:

On June 24, Iranian Superstar Andy Madadian went into an LA recording studio with Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora and American record producers Don Was and John Shanks to record a musical message of worldwide solidarity with the people of Iran.

This version of the old Ben E. King classic is not for sale – it was not meant to be on the Billboard charts or even manufactured as a CD…..it’s intended to be downloaded and shared by the Iranian people…to give voice to the sentiment that all people of the world stand together….the handwritten Farsi sign in the video translates to “we are one”.

If you know someone in Iran – or someone who knows someone in Iran – please share this link:

http://www.MyDamnChannel.com/DonWas

Check out the video here.

Playing for Change: Peace through Music

Seriously – how can a world that produces beautiful things like the video below also produce the cookie-cutter garbage that so heavily pollutes our airwaves?

Yes, Bono is back, lending his voice to yet another musical endeavour meant to raise awareness about our common desire for peace in the world… And, my previous somewhat scathing post notwithstanding, Bono does need to be given credit for putting so much effort into raising awareness. Hopefully these efforts will coalesce into something more than mere words and music.

So what is Playing for Change?

Playing for Change is a multimedia movement created to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music. The idea for this project arose from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. No matter whether people come from different geographic, political, economic, spiritual or ideological backgrounds, music has the universal power to transcend and unite us as one human race. And with this truth firmly fixed in our minds, we set out to share it with the world. (…)

We built a mobile recording studio, equipped with all the same equipment used in the best studios, and traveled to wherever the music took us. As technology changed, our power demands were downsized from golf cart batteries to car batteries, and finally to laptops. Similarly, the quality with which we were able to film and document the project was gradually upgraded from a variety of formats– each the best we could attain at the time—finally to full HD.

One thing that never changed throughout the process was our commitment to create an environment for the musicians in which they could create freely and that placed no barriers between them and those who would eventually experience their music. By leading with that energy and intent everywhere we traveled, we were freely given access to musicians and locations that are usually inaccessible. In this respect, the inspiration that originally set us on this path became a co-creator of the project along with us! (…)

Over the course of this project, we decided it was not enough for our crew just to record and share this music with the world; we wanted to create a way to give back to the musicians and their communities that had shared so much with us. And so in 2007 we created the Playing for Change Foundation, a separate 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation whose mission is to do just that. In early 2008, we established Timeless Media, a for-profit entity that funds and extends the work of Playing for Change. Later that year, Timeless Media entered into a joint venture with the Concord Music Group through the support of label co-owner and entertainment legend Norman Lear and Concord Music Group executive vice president of A&R John Burk. Our goal is to bring PFC’s music, videos and message to the widest possible audience.

Now, musicians from all over the world are brought together to perform benefit concerts that build music and art schools in communities that are in need of inspiration and hope. In addition to benefit concerts, the Playing for Change band also performs shows around the world. When audiences see and hear musicians who have traveled thousands of miles from their homes, united in purpose and chorus on one stage, everyone is touched by music’s unifying power.

And now, everyone can participate in this transformative experience by joining the Playing for Change Movement. People are hosting screenings, musicians are holding benefit concerts of every size, fans are spreading the message of Playing for Change through our media, and this is only the beginning. Together, we will connect the world through music!

Further explore this wonderful initiative here – enjoy!

It’s no wonder that music is one of the easiest ways for us to get over our mental and historical obstacles. In the Baha’i Writings, Baha’u'llah tells us that: “We, verily, have made music as a ladder for your souls, a means whereby they may be lifted up unto the realm on high.” The song War/No More Trouble is such a ladder to my soul. I have been having some trouble with colleagues of mine, and the anger and resentment I feel towards them melt away when I listen to this song. It reminds me that my problems, although they aren’t easy to deal with, aren’t as bad as some of the troubles afflicting others. It also gives me the peace of mind and the calmness of heart needed to deal with the situation in a calmer way. I actually have this song on my portable music player – and each time I need to deal with a thorny, emotional situation, I put it on as a form of preparative therapy.

Hmmm. Perhaps world leaders should consider doing so… Wouldn’t World Summits and Peace Talks end very differently if they were forced to listen to music like this?

I need to get in touch with Bono..

http://saharsblog.wordpress.com/2009/05/01/what-we-want-what-we-say-and-what-we-do-not-quite-the-same/

CNN: A sobering interview with Depeche Mode

With the longer, sunnier days, I have been more in the mood of reading that writing. Here is yet another interesting thing I read off the Internet in the last couple of days.

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) — (…) Thirteen years ago, singer Dave Gahan famously died from a drug overdose and was brought back to life by paramedics at the Sunset Marquis hotel down the road. Since then, he’s given up drugs and taken up yoga and songwriting, the latter being what used to be the exclusive domain of guitarist Martin Gore (who has since sobered up himself).

It’s changed the dynamics of the trio, known for such hits as “Personal Jesus,” but in a good way, says Depeche Mode keyboardist Andy Fletcher.

CNN spoke to the group’s members about Depeche Mode’s new album, “Sounds of the Universe,” their three decades in the business and the effects of heavy drinking. The following is an edited version of the interview.

CNN: Have you looked outside the window to see the street closures out there, and 10,000 people gathering?

Andy Fletcher: (All three members laugh) It can’t be happening. It’s not anything to do with us. U2 are probably in town.

CNN: Closing down the street for a free concert is a big deal in Hollywood.

Dave Gahan: When we were first approached to do it, we were kind of in some trepidation about what it was really going to be, and if people were going to show up.

CNN: Were you afraid that only two people were going to show up?

Gahan: Well, we’re always like that — until we actually go on stage and see the people.

CNN: I can’t believe it’s been almost 30 years since Depeche Mode first formed.

Gahan: I think next year is our 30th year.

Fletcher: To be honest, I think at first when we found out it was going to be 30 years, I think it was, “Oh my God, how embarrassing. We’re really old!” But I think now we’ve really got our heads around it, and I think it’s something to be actually proud of.

CNN: On your last album, “Playing the Angel,” there was a little tension because Martin, for the most part, had written all of the songs — and Dave wanted to contribute to the writing process. But on the new CD, “Sounds of the Universe,” it seems as though everybody was more comfortable sharing songwriting duties.

Gahan: When I kind of approached the band with a whole bunch of demos and said, “I want half the songs on the record,” of course that didn’t go down well (on the last album). I was a little bit overconfident, as well. But to me, it was just the excitement about this new thing, which was writing. There’s no way I could go back to not being involved in the writing.

Martin Gore: To be honest, I think it’s one of the big factors in Depeche Mode being much stronger now, and being better. I think Dave is a great frontman …

Gahan: Thanks, man!

Gore: … and singing someone else’s lyrics, he’s great. But I think now he really believes he contributes so much more to the band. So I think it’s made the band — the atmosphere between us — much better, actually. So it’s been a good thing.

CNN: Martin, you’ve given up drinking.

Gore: Yeah. It’s been about three years now. It makes a big difference.

Gahan: He is a changed man. There’s a different side of Martin that has always been there, but sometimes it gets clouded when the drinking and stuff becomes more important than anything else. I think it got to that phase on the last tour, and Martin was the one that stood up and said, “You know what? I’ve got to stop this.” It’s sort of one of those cliches, one of those myths, that you have to be really messed up to do something cool artistically.

CNN: Did you believe that?

Gahan: Yeah, I did for awhile. Yeah. When it’s not actually producing anything creative at all, you’re in trouble.

CNN: So Andy, in the meantime, you’ve got two sober bandmates over here.

Gahan: It’s good for me, as well. (Gahan and Gore laugh heartily).

Gore: He’s cut down to 50 units a week now!

Fletcher: I’ve cut down but –

Gahan: He’s under pressure.

Fletcher: These things are happening to make the atmosphere better. So it’s got to be good.

Read the rest of the interview here.

Nathan “Flutebox” Lee and Beardyman performing at Google London

Don’t be fooled by the first couple of frames – this video is worth listening to, all the way to the end!

Enjoy – and put the volume up!

Devon Gundry – “Armed” on Vimeo

While as a whole, humanity has evolved in amazing ways – we went to the moon! we can see the cellular structure of the human body! we can know where anyone in the world is if we wanted to! – things aren’t going as well as they can these days. As the despair in the world increases, more and more people are wondering where they can turn to for strength.

One place many turn to is religion, because “Armed with the power of Thy Name, nothing can ever hurt me, and with Thy love in my heart all the world’s afflictions can in no wise alarm me”. This quote by Baha’u'llah is what inspired the song and videoclip below – which is absolutely fantastic and is sure to make you tear up. If I were you, I’d make sure to have at least a couple of Kleenex’ lying around!

more about “Devon Gundry – “Armed” on Vimeo“, posted with vodpod

BBC: Guinea’s musicians echo decline

Things aren’t going so well in Guinea. The long-time president, Lansana Conté, passed away last Monday. While he had held the country pretty stable, quite a feat considering the instability of some of its neighboring countries, he also didn’t allow a country rich in natural resources achieve it’s full potential; corruption was rampant and not much would get back to the people of Guinea.

Now he’s passed away; his legal successor has been deposed by a military coup, and guineans are scared, angry and restless: is this the beginning of the end of the hardships they have been through in the last decades, or the beginning of a new era of hardships?

An increasing awareness is a blessing and a curse; as I read thought-provoking and informative posts from fellow bloggers, my eyes are opened to the world in ways they never were. It’s very empowering, because my role as concerned citizen is clarifying itself. However it’s also very distressing and sometimes discouraging to see just how bad the situation really is.

There are no reasons for me to make the connection, but when I read about what is happening in Guinea, I am haunted by the stories and pictures from Zimbabwe from the last couple of weeks. The two countries are extremely different, from their location to the primary practiced religion to their language to their customs, there is nothing much that brings the two together.

Nothing, that is, save the hardships of both countries’ population.

I don’t know much about Zimbabwe’s music industry, but, blessed with amazing friends from Guinea, I have been told of its musicians. Until today, I haven’t been in a position to share it with anyone (you try finding guinean rap on Youtube). But today, as I was surfing the Net looking for more information on the situation in Guinea, I tumbled on some songs embedded in a BBC article about Guinea’s musicians.

Guinea’s musicians echo decline

By Will Ross, for BBC News, Conakry

The frustrations of young Guineans have boiled over into mass riots and military mutinies and this has been reflected by a new generation of musicians, breaking a long tradition of singers praising national leaders.

“When injustice becomes law, to revolt becomes one’s duty,” says Guinean rapper Phaduba Keita.

Most rap stars may not quote French philosophers, but for this 27-year-old, the words of Albert Camus ring true.

“I don’t think there’s anywhere in the world with more corruption than Guinea,” he says.

“Today Conakry the capital is the darkest capital in the world – a capital without electricity, water or infrastructure,” says Keita.

On his album À Quand L’Aubaine? (When Will The Windfall Come?) the Guinean rap star asks when things will improve for people in and outside the country.

“It is not just to the political leaders here but also to the powers in the West, because the future of Africa is in the hands of these two groups. It’s the intellectuals who hold the power.”

Exodus

There is no doubt that most Guineans are thoroughly fed up with their situation: huge mineral wealth underground but mass poverty above it, and the fingers are pointing en masse at the politicians. (…)

Another young musician, Ablaye M’baye – aka Skandal – also lashes out at the country’s leadership before singing a line from his hit reggae song Levez les Rideaux! or Open the Curtains!

“Everyone says they want change but the politicians want to stay,” he says.

“They have tasted the power and they are not working but still get lots of money very easily – the population’s money.

“They live well with their families when the population is suffering from hunger.”

Skandal, who performs with Degg – J Force 3, says the Guinean people have to “Open the Curtains” and change their mentality.

But he also knows the population has few options.

When they took to the streets early last year to protest against poor governance and lack of leadership, the military and police replied with bullets.

More than 130 people were shot dead.

With the opposition weak, people had put their faith in the trade union leaders who called the strikes that brought the country to a standstill.

Read the rest of this article here.

Here’s looking at you, kid

Sometimes it seems like celebrities each live in their own bubble, which makes it all the more fun when the give each other a nod of acknowledgment, just like the one Fall Out Boy gave to none other than Britney Spears…