Oh guys, so here's the deal with this post. Every once and a while I'm going to just up and post a song at random. There's no reason or rhyme for it, it's just a song that happens to pop into my head and I wanted to share with you.
This one is one of those songs that you just happen to come across and end up falling in love with. The funny thing, up til today, I had no idea who performed this song, I ended up putting in generic information and giving it some artwork in my iTunes library that I happened to think fit the song. Little did I realize that this song WAS on iTunes, and I just had to take the time to look for it. The song is called "The River is Flowing" and it's by Katrin Brown.
I've had this one for YEARS. Whenever I get myself into a particularly witchy mood, I always end up throwing this one into the play-list. It's positively beautiful, with kind of a singsong chant all throughout the song, capping off the last half of the song with an English Children's Choir (with kind of a Pink Floyd's "The Wall" feel to it, but without all the uncomfortableness). :) So enjoy it for no other reason than to enjoy it. If you're interested in the song, as much as I am - feel free to check out the bottom of this post for a link to the MP3 on Amazon.com.
Here's a video (not an official one, mind you - just a way for me to share the song with you. I don't think even the person who made the video gave proper credit to the artist.
So, this time of year can be a cluster-eff for many different reasons. Some Pagans only celebrate Yule, some do double-duty honouring Yule as well as Santa Clause's Christmas (which is what I usually do) and there are some Christian-Pagans out there (or so I've heard).
Regardless of who you worship and what you believe in, there IS music out there to celebrate the holiday season, and the Winter Solstice, that's not so affiliated with Santa or Jesus.
So here for you is my TOP Ten list of Pagan inspired music to fill your home with warmth and love through the chill of the winter season.
1. Lisa Thiel - Yule (Winter Solstice)
The first song is by an amazing vocalist/songwriter. I had the pleasure of conversing with Lisa Thiel years ago and found her to be a wonderful and down to earth woman. I was truly honoured to have that time to get to know her and was even given new music and asked to review and critique it for her. I can't imagine NOT liking anything she's created. Truly a beautiful Pagan Songstress indeed. Here is "Yule (Winter Solstice) from the CD, Circle of the Seasons. You can find more about Lisa at this site: Sacred Dream Productions.
2. Jewel - Hands (Christmas version)
I love Jewel, I'm not ashamed to admit it. She's got one of the most BEAUTIFUL voices I've ever heard. It's sweet and comforting, much like the smells and sounds of this time of year. This song is found on "Joy: The Holiday Collection". One could argue that she's singing about the Christian God and shouldn't be admitted to this list, but I completely disagree. Deity is in the eye, or in this case, ear of the beholder. God, Jesus, Holly King, Oak King, whomever. The God here isn't what draws me to this song anyways, you can think about whatever God you want when you hear this song. When I hear it, deity is an afterthought for me. "In the end, only kindness matters". That's what this year should be about. It's not about gifts or decorations or any of that... it's about showing kindness to others. Remembering that no matter how big your hands are, or your heart, or your intentions - they're always big enough to do good for someone. No deed is too small. Remember that during the dark times of the Wheel of the Year, it's cold outside; so do something to warm someone's spirits. That is all.
3. T Thorn Coyle and Sharon Knight - Solstice Prayer
Ok, I gotta say. I've known about Sharon Knight and T Thorn Coyle for a long time. I've gone to Pantheacon for quite a few years now, and Thorn has been a staple of the con for as long as I can remember. This year, Pandemoneaon was there pre-selling their newest work, Dangerous Beauty. I happened to pick up a CD with Thorn and Sharon from Serpentine Music, and had both autograph it for me (since I am a signature hound) Little did I know how incredible this music was. It's truly a beauty to behold when these two amazing songstresses come together. I HIGHLY recommend getting their collaborations if you can. This track can be found on the CD, Songs for the Waning Year.
Sadly, I couldn't find a video for this track, but take my word for it.. it's WELL worth it. All of their music is. Since I couldn't find a video, here's the pic of my CD they signed.. One of my prized possessions. :)
4. Dar Williams - The Christians and the Pagans
Ok, when you think of Christmas Music there's staples you always go to. Silver Bells, O Holy Night, Santa Clause is Coming to Town.. This one should be a Yule staple. I can't think of anyone who doesn't love this song. It's perky, it's witty, it's funny and has a great message. Add this one to your holiday rotation, you wont be sorry. You can find this song on her CD, Mortal City.
5. Pus-Cavern All Stars - Happy Christmas (War is Over)
Ok, here's another not traditionally a Yule song. It's also not so traditional because this version has a little bit of balls in it. I absolutely LOVE this song, I think it's one of my all time favourite Holiday songs (Christmas or Yule). It was written by a beautiful human being named John Lennon. This song has been covered many times over and you should seek out the singers who you like. I like this one, mostly because it's local. This group is a bunch of musicians from Sacramento who all got together to do a not-so traditional holiday CD. In it are members of Tesla, Far, Papa Roach, The Secretions, and my personal favourite Sacramento band AROARAH. :) If you have the means, download the whole CD, it's well worth it.
6. Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Canon
This song is effing amazing. Another one where the beauty of it all is in the interpretation of who you think they're singing to, or about. I imagine it's the Mother, who keeps us warm and protected and comforted during this time of year when it's so easy to get distracted by all that's going on and how much you do for others, you forget that you are loved. This song is just beauty personified. Trans-Siberian Orchestra is amazing in ALL they do, but this one is their best (IMHO). You can find this one on the CD, The Christmas Attic.
7. Kelly Clarkson - My Grown-Up Christmas List
Here's another one that's not necessarily Yule music, but it's the message of the song. It's beautiful. There are, like the Happy Christmas song, a LOT of different versions of this song.. I'm partial to this one and the Micheal Buble' verstion, those are about the only two I listen to. It has an amazing message within its thoughtful lyrics. Hopefully one day, it will come true. Until then, we can only wish and hope.
8. Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Wizard In Winter
Here's another TSO song for you. A little something to brighten your spirits and give you a chance to do a little head-banging as you decorate the Yule Tree or chop wood for the fire. You can find this one on The Lost Christmas Eve.
9. Blackmore's Night - Christmas Eve
Here's another one I think should be a staple. The whole album, Winter Carols is amazing, but there are a lot of traditional songs on there. Still, I think this one should be a considered a classic for the new era. It's so sweet and catchy and who can resist Candice Night's voice or Richie Blackmore's brilliant guitar mastery. Enjoy.
10. Spinal Tap - We Three Kings
I had to add this. It's brilliant. A great laugh to lighten up the day and fill you with mirth and joy - and that's exactly what this song does! enjoy! (Note: You have to forgive the "Christmas with the Devil" part of it.. I couldn't find a video that was just the WTK by itself. Consider it a bonus track). :)
So there you have it. It's almost December, so there's plenty of time for you to go out and get these songs to add that touch of Yule sounds to an already beautifully decorated home. Each individual listing should have a clickable link that will take you to a site where you can buy the music you hear here. You can also look on iTunes or Amazon and I'm sure you'll find just about all of them. I hope you like them as much as I do. Merry Yule.
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What do you get when you take a little irish fiddle, a dash of banjo, two parts rap and one part rock? You get Beltaine's Fire: a Celtic Fusion ensemble from the Bay Area that mixes a myriad of genres and influences to create something so unique and brilliant.
I can't say that every song would be considered "pagan", but their music and the musicians themselves are very ethically, socially, morally in line with the Pagan mentality. They speak out against social injustices, corrupt government and humanity's negative impact on the world in general.
I recommend checking them out for yourselves. Lose all the preconceived notions of what you think pagan (or pagan mentality) music is supposed to sound like or that all rap is about 'bitches and hos', because this band definitely ISN'T. All they're trying to do is educate and entertain you, with intelligent lyrics and beautifully crafted music. Think Flogging Molly meets Rage Against the Machine and you'll come pretty close to what they're about, though I think to truly label them is an impossibility because they're one of a kind.
Currently, the lineup for Beltaine's Fire is:
Emcee Lynx: Rap Vocals
Laura Noel: Electric Bass
John Dougal: Electric Banjo
Steve May: Fiddle & Mandolin
Here's a link to one of my fav songs from them, "I Am"
Though I know this is a new Blog-site and I can't say I'm going to get even any readers or subscribers (but bless you for looking If you are there) but I want to treat this as if I already had a huge following of rabid viewers.
In early December, Pandemonaeon is having their CD release party at Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave, Alameda, CA 94501 on Saturday, 12/04. Tickets are available at the door, or pre-sale here. Cover charge is $15.
I've known about this band for quite some time, in fact, I first learned about Sharon Knight and Winter in my first few years of my discovering of Wicca over ten years ago. Though they're local (Oakland) area I've never had the opportunity to see them live or find any of their music in stores (where all music should be) until recently. Last years Pantheacon in fact.
They were actually pre-selling their CD there and at the time you had the opportunity to get an almost finished version and the ability to purchase the fully edited version when it was done. Well my friends, that time is now.
The CD release party is here and you can now get your very own copy of "Dangerous Beauty".
** Here is some information posted on the Pandemonaeon Facebook page:
"The 13-song CD features Middle-Eastern tinged metal/rock ranging from the hard-hitting Eater of So...rrow and Lover’s Pardon to the darkly haunting Hunter and the epic Chalice & Blades. Fronted by Celtic vocalist Sharon Knight, Pandemonaeon blends their driving rock sound with the delicate beauty of folk instruments such as violin, oud, saz, mandocello, flute, and percussion. Their sound has been described as "gothic tribal folk metal," and "dark tribal fusion with powerful vocals and metal accents."
Joining Sharon and Winter are multi-instrumentalists Tim Rayborn (from Canconier) on harmony vocals, oud, saz, and dumbek; and Gari Hegedus (from Stellamara) on violin and mandocello; Paul Nordin on extreme vocals, Tina “Bean” Blaine (D’Cuckoo) on percussion, Caith Threefires on bass, and Mark Abbott (Box Set) on drums."
This was originally posted on That Devil Music, but it was suggested that this would be a great post for this site as well. More original postings to come.
So I was at Borders in Sacramento over the weekend at the Kat Von D book signing and drool-fest. It was a pretty cool experience though Sac had one of the hottest November days in ages; which sucked. About the third hour I was finally in the store and weaving through the various aisles as the line made it's way to the tattoo master.
While I passed through the CD's I had the idea to check through the letter F for Firewind's "Allegiance": no luck. What I did see however took me by surprise. I had no idea Godsmack front-man Sully Erna put out a solo album.
Being that as of late, no matter how much I love Godsmack, their last few works have been less than stellar releases. I haven't heard "The Oracle" yet aside from a few singles but I gathered from reviews I've read about it that it wasn't that good. I did see the other day that you can buy it on amazon for less than five bucks so that was pretty telling.
To support them I did buy the 4.99 album and downloaded it last night though I haven't heard it yet. Reason being is that I was playing the iTunes samples for Sully's solo work Avalon over and over and looking around for the best price for the CD. I want to support these bands I love but I'm not made of money.
(Hindsight being 20/20 I think I would have paid any price to own this work of art.)
So I see that amazon is selling it for about nine dollars which is perfect because I wanted the physical copy. I've been listening to his CD, Avalon all day today and I'm totally loving it. It's not a complete departure from Godsmack's previous recordings when, for the most part the album is very similar to their songs "Serenity", "Voodoo", and "Hollow". If you enjoyed those tracks you're going to love these songs.
What makes this album different is the talent he chooses to surround himself with. Various instrumentalist and vocalist he utilizes here add to the already colorful palette he crafts these song with. They all just add another dimension to an ready incredible musician. The album include Lisa Guyer on vocals, classically trained Cellist Irina Chirkova of Bulgaria, and from Ireland, percussionist Niall Gregory of Dead Can Dance, Chris Lester and Tim Therriault.
Sully, also, definitely caters to the Pagan in me with the lyrics he uses and the primordial drum beats that run in sync with the beating of the warrior spirits that dwell within our essence. He runs the gambit of all that he is with these beautifully crafted songs: warrior, father, lover, God, son. You connect with all those intricate layers he's woven within the folds of his songs and I want nothing else than to run home, grab my Djembe and join in the drumming circle he's instigated. Something that seriously tripped me out was in reading on his website the lyrics for these songs, the first track "Avalon" was co-written by Laurie Cabot (one of the most famous modern day witch)
I haven't heard one song I dislike, I haven't heard one second of this amazingly gorgeous record that I would change. It's perfect. The only thing that bothers me about it is that I had no idea it was out. It's not getting any radio play as far ad I can tell, no advertising I have seen anywhere and that's just sad. Anyone and everyone who loves music, sublime musicianship and elegantly crafted lyrics and primitive rhythms pulsating through your veins - this album is for you.
So go on: grab your drums, get your smudge Wands, dance under the light of the moon and revel in the awesomeness of this music. But don't let your faith, or even lack of faith stop you from getting this little plastic disc of audible ecstasy - this music is for anyone who loves pure and perfectly crafted music. Do yourself a favor and don't let this one pass you by.
So I wanted to share a little about what I hope to achieve for this blog. I've been in love with music for as long as I can remember. When I first discovered Paganism it was easy to incorporate music into ceremony. It wasn't hard to find God/dess inspired music, the hard
part was finding good music with good production value and quality instrumentalism.
I started out with the basics; Loreena Mckennitt, Enya, Pure Moods, tc. As time went on and I traveled further and further on my path I had discovered more and more artists who are inspired by paganism. Some of what I discovered was beautiful in its own way though I always
had a feeling that what was on the disc wasn't the grand final product that the artist intended. Now as we move on and the Goddess path becomes more an more mainstream and technology is becoming more readily available, the over all quality of the songs are improving exponentially.
My hope is that this will be a medium where music seeker and music maker can meet and these amazing creations get to the ears they're created for.
There is so much out there, much more than even I know of and hopefully, in time, we all will be introduced to that perfect song for a ceremony or Deity honouring that we never knew existed.
I hope down the road that this blog will be chalk full of concert reviews, interviews and CD critiques.
Feel free to share your music with the rest of us, help spread the word about these artists and give them the sales they need to continue to make music for us and the goddess.
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