music matters

Song
Has Been by William Shatner (arranged by Ben Folds)

Back story
William Shatner can out-camp just about anyone.  Recently, he has put Sarah Palin’s prose (Going Rogue) to music on the Jay Leno Show.  He is simultaneously charming, ridiculous, theatrical, vulnerable, cocky, and sincere.  He doesn’t sing per se, but he narrates songs in a unique and compelling way.

Why this song
This is the title song from his 2004 release, Has Been.  It’s hard to tell if it’s a serious effort or a joke.  Either way, it’s effective.  Ben Folds produced the record, and folks like Ben, Aimee Mann, Henry Rollins, and Joe Jackson join in on the fun.  Has Been is a very cheesy cowboy song where William pokes fun at himself while also wryly making fun of those who mock him.  Funny indeed.

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Song
The Story Behind The Pain by Tumi and the Volume

Back story
Tumi and the Volume is a South African group that has recently reached an international audience.  In 2002, MC Tumi Molekane met a Johannesburg-area house band during an open mic poetry night and the group was formed.  They are a musically and lyrically progressive band, who Mos Def calls “The Roots of Africa.”  Enough said.

Why this song
This song showcases Tumi’s conversational MC style, and the group’s musicality, including jazz guitar and yes, a trombone solo!  This track is from their self-titled album, recorded in 2005, released locally in 2006, and finally available worldwide in 2009.  If you like world music and hip-hop, this is a group worth exploring.

More info
All Music

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Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010