Wednesday, August 22, 2007

What "One Song" Can Do...

Today, I bumped into a an old song from 2002 that I had not heard in awhile. It was a song called "Music Is Everything" by High Contrast. I played it really loud at least 5 times and it really just lifted my spirits up. That song led me onto iTunes where I did some digging and found some new Drum & Bass songs that took it even higher. High Contrast' "If We Ever" is currently the number one song in the UK on 1Xtra's DnB chart. That one I played loud too and just drank it into my soul. The beautiful strings & piano riffs of the intro are just so sweet. I'm sure I have played it at least 10 times today on this TV-free day. Later I found out that the vocalist on the tune is Diane Charlemagne, who used to be a member of 52nd Street. I used to play their records back in the 80s on my R&B show so that made it even more cool to tie her in.

I discovered Drum & Bass music back in '94 on a trip to London when it was then called 'Jungle.' I've been hooked ever since and occasionally check in to see what is happening with this music. There are many sub-genres of DnB, some with reggae & R&B influences and some that are a little darker and not as accessible for my ears. Much of the stuff I really dig now comes from Hospital Records. It's cool, clean and grooves so hard that my mother says I shouldn't even listen to it while I am recovering. I have to remind her what it means to me and how it helps me keep my vibration high so I can do the healing that must be done.

I just burned it onto CD for the car and I am excited about taking a drive tomorrow. Here is the playlist:

Artist Name
Nu:Tone Beliefs
High Contrast If We Ever
High Contrast Everything Is Different
Cyantific Good Weather
Commix Be True
Blame + The Pedge Avalon
Apex featuring Ayah Space Between (Featuring Ayah)
Akira vs. T-Ak featuring Ellie Change
Akira Expedition

Check out some of them on iTunes and let me know what one song can do for you. Or maybe you'll come by and I can play them for you?

RJ


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Now playing: High Contrast - If We Ever
via FoxyTunes

5 comments:

One Tribe said...

Hey RJ....just a quick note to say I realllllly am blessed to witness such a strong soul, and selfless person such as yourself!
Your positive attitude and real livity inspire me, and I know you will recover just fine. I wish I could be there to help on the bad days.....I konw Anne, and your family are taking good care of you. nuff love and respect.
Kenjah

Unknown said...

Now that's the RJ I know! Music is healing...play whatever makes you feel great as loud as your neighbors will tolerate!!!

Anonymous said...

RJ, I've just read all your posts from the beginning. You are truly blessed. ((Hugs))

On a musical tip, I remember those jungle days!!

Good times!

John Patterson said...

sup bubbly?

listening to some hospital tracks right now (future sound of tokyo). and i found some old pics of you and stevie in the back of a london 'back cab' from that trip...
glad to hear you are eating again brah. i'll hollar at you soon.
with much aloha, John P

Anonymous said...

Am enjoying the drum and bass CD you made for me. No such thing as too much bass!!! Thanks, bro. Glad you're enjoying music and that's it's helping to lift your spirits.