Joe Purdy- Highways

As a self-proclaimed vagabond, traveling songs seem to find a special place in my listening library and my heart.  The gentle, rocking rhythm of Purdy's guitar, mixes with his raw voice and soft-laid whistles.  It's the freedom of a traveler, those who follow their feet wherever they're taken.  Yet, this isn't the song of a wanderer straying too long and eventually, the road returns you to your home.  For me, it's been almost a year and a half since I started this journey and will soon be returning to my first home.  These lines are oh-too-close to my heart:

"...but an airplane is just too easy
and you'll see me, when you see me
and I'll get there when I do
tell all my friends I'm coming soon
tell all my friends I'm coming soon..."

Highways by Joe Purdy is from the album, This American, released in 2010.

Steve Miller Band- Dance, Dance, Dance

This blog is not just to share new music or point you in the direction of the most up-and-coming artists around in the now.  Sometimes it seems to me that artists from all those years ago can simply say it better.  Yes, I admit that I have been greatly influenced by my parents' music, enjoying the classic rock, country feel that comes from such bands as Steve Miller (Band), and some people would cringe to admit they enjoy the same music their parents do- not this girl.  This song is such easy listening, you want to just jive along with the music "all night long."  The "dance, dance, dance" turns you in a twirl as you spin along to Miller's effortless vocals in what becomes a feel-good, do-no-wrong kind of tune.

If you want to reflect on how your parents' music influenced you, check out NPR's All Songs Considered Podcast : Remembering Mom and Dad's Record Collection

Dance, Dance, Dance is originally from Steve Miller Band's album, Fly Like An Eagle, released in 1976.

Brandi Carlile- Hard Way Home

Give me a song that opens with some foot stomps and a loud, in your face, harmonic ohhh and you've got me.  Whatever comes next.  Luckily for Brandi Carlile, what comes next is equally captivating.  Hard Way Home is the right song, at the right time, when Americana-folk is taking over radio waves and the hearts of listeners.  Carlile definitely does not get enough credit for her incredible lyricism, and this might be the reason why she hasn't gotten the publicity I feel she deserves.  Her intricate and personal lyrics can either punch you right in the heart, ripping out all those emotions she so precisely describes, or just leave you glancing over the songs because they're too wordy.  This song speaks to the 20-something listener, growing up, wanting to trust the path taken, but sometimes feeling so down about it that it seems there's no easy way to move forward.  The pounding rhythm moves you out of whatever funk you're in, kicks you in the ass and says, get a move on.  The road may be hard, but it's worth it.

Hard Way Home is from Brandi Carlile's latest album: Bear Creek

Here goes something...

Diving into a sea of music blogs, soundclouds and beyond is more than a hobby- it's a passion, an obsession even, and I can spend hours listening to tunes from artists new and old.  There's so much music out there, why not share it with others who enjoy my listening tastes?  This will be a personal challenge to find and to write about songs I'm obsessing over at any given moment; a fun writing experience for me and hopefully, some good tunes for you!  I welcome you to Harmonic Prose!