Music Monday-Remy Shand

There are many artists in the music industry that, for one reason or another, release only one album. Two famous examples are Lauryn Hill's The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and Jeff Buckley's Grace. For Lauryn Hill, her reason for leaving the music industry (as many believe) is because she wanted to focus on raising her kids. Jeff Buckley released only one album because he tragically passed away. However, these are only two examples. There are many artists who seemingly lost interest in the music industry after releasing their debut album. Remy Shand is one such artist.

I don't usually get upset with musicians, however, I am upset with Remy Shand. In 2002, Remy released the amazing, criminally neglected album The Way I Feel and then just disappeared. Granted, this album is a product of its time, but believe me when I tell you that neo-soul has never sounded better. Filled with tracks such as "Take a Message" and "Rocksteady", Remy takes the the listener through an auditory journey and doesn't let go until the end of the final track.

"Take A Message"

"Rocksteady"

The two examples that I provided above are only a taste of the blue-eyed soul that The Way I Feel provides. This album is filled with gems that unfortunately not many heard because of Remy's abrupt departure. In my mind, Remy Shand left the industry so Robin Thicke could could enter. The two share very similar styles and their falsettos are eerily similar, but I digress...

Thankfully, it doesn't seem like Remy Shand is gone for good. Earlier this year, a Youtube Page was opened under his name. This page features two previously unreleased tracks: RollerGirls and WhereAreWeGoing?. Do these two new releases tease the comeback of Remy Shand? One Can only hope. Until then, we'll have to keep enjoying his only full length release The Way I Feel.

 

Music Monday: Deadmau5 "Album Title Goes Here"

Deadmau5 (pronounced deadmouse) is a peculiar person. He exists in a world where people call themselves DJ's, yet he constantly distances himself from the title (even writing a blog post where he calls EDM performers "button pushers"). From his many posts and rants on Twitter and Facebook you would assume that he hates celebrity, yet he is the only musician that I know of who will live stream himself in the studio while he is putting a song together. Maybe that's why we, his fans, are drawn to him and his music. It's fun watching this man rant while he pieces together amazing albums. > Album Title Goes Here < is one such album.

Right off the bat it's hard to classify > Album Title Goes Here < as an EDM album. You won't find your typical bass drops and you will not be pumping your fist to this album. Instead, Deadmau5 gives us a straight dance album, a 2012 Discovery if you will. Keeping Daft Punk's Discovery in mind, this album is not all electronic beats. Deadmau5 has several vocalist appear on the album to give the album a more mainstream feel. The best example of this is the nearly nine minute epic, The Veldt.

With singer Chris James on the vocals, Deadmau5 turns Ray Bradbury's 1951 short story The Veldt into a musical masterpiece. Haunting and yet oddly soothing, Deadmau5 was able to capture the perfect  feel for Mr. Bradbury's dark story.

*Note the video version of The Veldt is only 2 minutes and

 59 seconds. The fullversion can be heard on the album*

Peaking at number 43, The Veldt did moderately well on Billboard's Dance Chart. It may not be a number one hit, but I believe Deadmau5 is ok with that. He is a man who hides from celebrity and puts out music at his pace. I wouldn't have it any other way.

- JSR

Feature Friday

Hey guys, I want to introduce you to Kari's Korner! It's owned by a former co-worker of mine, Ashley Sullivan, and she designs (yes she makes her own designs) cute graphics for T-shirts, housewares, and posters. Those are just a few to name, and seriously these designs are so adorable! Parents if you are looking for something cute for your children, this is it. She has categories from "Cutie Fruties" to Holiday designs and is always coming up with new creations.

Saturn! img src

Happy Halloween! img src

Earth Day tote img src

Tell me these don't make you go aww? I've never seen a cuter Earth or Saturn.

You can visit Kari's Korner here, follow her on Twitter, and like her Facebook page!

Do you want to be featured? Nominate someone to be featured? Contact me for more info!
- L