2005 in 25

BE CERTAIN that there are more artists and songs that influenced me in 2005. But these artists stand out for very personal reasons. If I attempted to list all the 'songs' that influenced me, this list would be too long and much to much to bear. Besides, the songs are only an extension of the artist. I care about the creator of these tunes far more than their creations.

So, this is my TOP 25 ARTISTS in 2005.

There are multiple songs from the artists that are listed in not so subliminal messages to them. I listed first the one song that influenced me most or introduced me to them, and sometimes, admittedly, it's not the best song that artist might be known for.., but the one that spoke to me most.

Some of the tunes I listed are on the artist's CD, not MySpace. To hear them, support the artist by purchasing their music.

Have a PEACEful New Year, folks. Support the music you love by sharing the gift of that support with the artist in word and deed. Trust me, 'they need to know they are being effective and that won't happen if you don't tell them'.

B@PEACE in 2006

BrotherDouglas of EdenDust

PS - Link through the subject title to see and hear the list.

Daniel Morawek, Director

NetCinema - by Daniel Morawek. My creative friend in Germany has uploaded a new site with videos for your Ipods... Check him out, and let him know BrotherDouglas sent you by... ~~BD

DaRk LoVE - taoSOULopera - actONE

Well...

It's finally uploaded... our newest tune, DaRk LoVE, the conerstone of a larger work [taoSOULopera] about love gone bad, gone wrong.., love just gone!! Perhaps we'll get it all done by Valentine's (wicked holiday that it is, anyway..), but who knows what's gonna happen between now and then. Anyway.. Thanks for listening.., you know it's really the best 'gift' you can offer anyone.., a heartfelt listen. Just link through the title of this blog or on the song title for a free download.

BePEACE...

BrotherDouglas.

DaRk LoVE
(D.Powell, J.Dean, J.Verdecias)

JEREMIAH: Love...

BROTHER: Isolated, Frustrated...
Feeling dark thoughts again...
Complicated, ...Situated
between Faith and giving in.
I haven't felt like this since
I don't remember when,

But, I need to see, what you see in me,
and I need this pain to end...

JEREMIAH: What is this Love / That everyday we pray for it's embrace / And why do we settle? / For the lower level / Transplanting lust in it's place / If you ask and don't receive / Instantly do you grieve? / Squandering Love's seed / Allowing fear to erase your faith? /

'Cause True Love is the fabric / The lullaby for the savage / The antidote for the damage that life tends to manage / In our hearts and our souls / We crave control / Yet Love rips it from our hands - turning a grown woman or man into a child stuck in quicksand...

BROTHER: Cause, sometimes I love you, ...and,
Sometimes, I shun you, and...
Sometimes you make me feel so mad.

At times I think you love me, and...
Most times you really hurt me, and...
Sometimes you make me feel so sad.

'Cause sometimes I care about us, and...
Sometimes, I'm sick to death of us!
And, sometimes, I just wanna die,
but, please don't let me die.

JEREMIAH ALEXIS: But you've got to tap your eternal source / Warmth like an eternal sun in your chest / Warmth like under the covers when you share them with your lover / Warmth like cold feet when you slip them in new socks / Warmth cause you know your Love's got that key to your hearts lock / The omnipotent power / True Love the pathway to all / So pure and filled with Light that no dark can block it's call /

'Cause there is no hate / Only Love twisted and scarred / Love so battered and bruised that the heart becomes confused / That's why we got to Love hard / So intense it becomes a part of your scent / Your shadow your hand print / Your very essence / So those unloved souls can bathe in Your Presence / And allow Love's warmth to melt their hearts dark frost...
Their Dark Love...

BROTHER: I, I often wonder,
In my soul I sometimes ponder,
How this dark love, entered my heart?
And tho' I still recall,
the vows I made before it all,
In this dark, I fall apart,
Mend my wounded heart...
My Dark Love..

(c) 2005 - EdenDust Publishing (BMI)

All Vocals: Brother Douglas

SpokenWord: Jeremiah Alexis

Live Guitar, Bass, Piano : Jay Deasel

Synth Productions and Sound Effects:

Jeremiah Alexis and Jay Deasel

Written, Produced, Arranged by TaoBrothers of EdenDust and Jay Deasel (www.DeaselMusic.com)

Executive Producer: Luke Carter and TaoBrothers of EdenDust

John: 12:35-36 - So Jesus said to them, "For a little while longer the Light is among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of LIGHT."

MY ARTIST FRIENDS: special edition

One of my favorite biblical stories is found in the Book of Acts. Peter and John, disciples to Jesus, who had just been crucified, are hanging around Jerusalem per Jesus final instructions before his death, to 'wait for what the Father has promised', namely the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Upon receiving that baptism in the form of tongues as fire, Peter preached a prophetic sermon in Chapter Two that basically foretold these days in which we now live.

17 'In the last days, God said, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. 18 In those days I will pour out my Spirit upon all my servants, men and women alike, and they will prophesy. 19 And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below - blood and fire and clouds of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon will turn bloodred, before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives. 21 And anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.."

Peter would go on to preach with such fervor that, according to verse 43, A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity - 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.

Now understand this turn of events when Peter and John passed by the lame beggar at the gate of Beautiful. This man who was born lame, was carried to this temple entrance on a daily basis to beg for alms from those that entered to worship. Chapter 3:3 -

When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. 4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, "Look at us!" 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting a gift. 6 Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." 7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man's feet and anklebones were healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them.

ERNESTO: A New Blues

www.myspace.com/jonatanterris

SILVER OR GOLD, I DO NOT HAVE.., but such as I have give I Jonatan Terris Bäckelie aka ERNESTO. This CD, A NEW BLUES, is an important release for these troubled times. It blends soul, blues, gospel and dance in a hybrid of emotional releases that will take the attentive listener to heights indicative of the experience of those that waited in the Upper Room on the Day of Pentecost. Hearing the depth of lyrical integrity and hypnotic musicality, you'll be overwhelmed that all of this has birthed forth from a mere 24 year old from Sweden! Jonatan's roots are indeed in the church, but his understanding of meter and rhyme suggests that he's traveled beyond his foundation to other depths to achieve this musical feat. You'll be drawn to the magnificent gospel-tinged anthem DEVIL's GOTTA RUN and the swirling implusive FALLING FROM GRACE for their sheer rhythms but I plead with you to truly listen to the lyrics. The same goes with FATHER: this is introspective songwriting at it's best. NO MORE (Oh Child) mixtures electronica rave induced beats with down home blues, a combination that is genius in it's execution. Other stand out favorites are SOCIALIST featuring the incredible vocalese of fellow countryman, Paul Mac Innes (another anointed talent) filled with enough political fire power to end every war before it begins, if only it were required listening at the diplomatic levels.., and the wickedly lyric-driven BLAME IT ON YOUR MELODY gives you insight that this artist is just dealing with his everyday problems, in the midst of being on the cutting edge of a new musical expession. But special mention must go to the confessional IF IT BE YOUR WILL that will open your soul to the inifinite possibilities of a life lived without ego.

This release is better than silver or gold.., it's living water that I promise is as important to your musical collection as it will be to your soul, if you let the music wash over you as it certainly will, and if you would just let go and join in the holy dance. Exceptional Records has a bona fide cult hit on it's shelves. A NEW BLUES is nothing short of a clarion call of encouragement and hope born out of the releasing of these truths revealed so adeptly by Ernesto. Remember to visit him on MySpace and listen to these tunes samples.., but to get the full effect, pick up his disc on eMusic or at GiantStep. ~~BD

MY ARTIST FRIENDS: vol.two

I've got a lot of talented friends on MySpace and although it's difficult being supportive of all them, at the same time, it's my joy and I know that I'm in their lives for a reason. So, I'm going to write these reviews about their work, bi-monthly, in hopes that I can introduce them to others who pass through my pages and also so that you can become 'friends' of their gifts, as well. All the artists reviewed are linked through the subject line through my home on MySpace. I send you there so that you can experience their music (and many others), before you, I pray, purchase their music so that they can continue to be 'artists' of the highest caliber. However, you will also be able link directly to the artist in the reviews to post your comments to them on MySpace. Enjoy. ~~BD


BEN TAYLOR: Another Run Around the Sun
www.myspace.com/ben_taylor
How easy it would be to just sit in the shadow of someone 'famous' especially if you're born into that shadow. Lesser talented individuals who by nature of their birth are given rites of passages all the time. But Ben Taylor, fortunate son of legendary James Taylor and Carly Simon, wasn't content to be part of his parents' legacy by proxy, but by intention. This new release will undoubtedly place the young Taylor along side his birthright as a formidable talent in his own right.

Upon the first immediate listen to Another Run Around the Sun, you're struck with the similarity in Ben's sound to that of his father and it can be disarming to the point that you could become somewhat dismissive of what seems like imitation. But if you're going to compare him to his father on any level.., please note that it's really the songwriting that is most reflective of the senior Taylor. This is the genius of the legacy that has been so obviously passed on to Ben and it's the strength of this release that showcases his writing (and singing) most effectively. From the opening confession, "Nothing I Can Do" that Ben sings with incredible tenderness and revelation, to the closing haunting manifesto, "Love", every song in between reveals more and more that this Taylor is not only his own man, but certainly has his own voice. This CD is a labor of love as it just feels good, sounds good and is performed with a simplicity that other artists with 'more resources' could learn a lesson or two from. Ben's less is more approach allows the listener to 'hear' the lyrics that are the undeniable star of each tune. He sings 'just enough' to support these fine crafted songs and never overshadows with unnecessary production just because he can. Stand outs for this reviewer, "I'll Be Fine", "You Must Have Fallen" and "One Man Day", each tune substains and enhances the legacy that Ben Taylor seems to have not only reconciled, but embraced wholeheartedly. As a side note, he's supported by incredible talent featuring actor/musician Kevin Bacon in production and on bass, David Saw and Beulah of the UK on supporting vocals and a host of notable session players that lend their considerable gifts to one fine release for a most desiring artists. ~~BD


MAGNUS ELIASSEN: Second Grace
www.myspace.com/magnuseliassen
This is another Norway import and like his fellow countryman, Even Johansen (Magnet), Magnus Eliassen is a force to be reckoned with. His imprint is all over these productions that are at times sparse, and other times full of life and energy. From playing most of the instruments to the stellar productions and vocals, Magnus allows the listener to peer into his soul as he sings about love and redemption seemingly for the pure joy of it. Each tune on Second Grace is a tour de force of kinetic creativity. To say there's really nothing like it in the marketplace is an understatement. Even with the aforementioned comparison, it's evident from the almost subliminal opening tune, "The Meaning of Life", there's an assertiveness to how Magnus lays out his mission statement for this release. "There's so much I want to say to you", he sings in the opening verse as if he's aware of and speaking to each and every heart that's listening. In this tune, he continues to explain that being given the 'grace of a call', he confesses that his reasons for what he's doing in this release is beyond mere showmanship.., beyond the vanity that motivates most.

You'll be drawn to "Lois is Happy" for it's infectious rhythms, but pay attention to the lyric and learn the much deeper reasons why Lois is happy! "Falling in Love" is an epic hit, but unlike it's version on MySpace, the CD cut is much fuller and more more involved. With several 'false endings', each new level brings a new surprise for the listener. For this reviewer's taste, you can't beat "Weakness" for it's sheer musicality. From the backing vocals and the lead sung in the pocket like a snare hit, Magnus shows his versatility as a writer and vocalist that is just as commerical as anyone on the charts while still maintaining his uniqueness without compromise. He closes this release with "Until We Meet Again", which does, as the opening tune, establish his connection to his audience as he promises to 'return' with even more where this came from. "You'll be welcomed to take my hand" he shares as he knowingly takes the leader's role into a beautiful world of sound and love, "If I don't break or bend, one day we'll meet again".

This is an artist that shouldn't be hard to find in the years to come. This is nothing short of a masterpiece and with all that it has going for it, should allow Magnus Eliassen a much deserving audience and platorm in the very near future. In the meantime, check him out on MySpace and please purchase this disc and see if you too agree, that this is one of 'those' CD's that you'll remember exactly where you were when you first heard it. It's really THAT good. ~~BD

DAVID SAW: Different Story
www.myspace.com/davidsaw
David Saw is songwriter.., who just so happens to also be a great instrumentalist and vocalist. But it's his turn of a lyric, his quick wit and his dry delivery of very poignant moments that gives him his signature. I dare make the comparison to another daunting talent that I believe you as a listener will immediately understand when you delve into Different Story. There's a Dylan quality to what David is doing here. Yes, Bob Dylan. On "Big Deal", David establishes himself amongst his peers with a lyric that so 'in your face' that it's hard to comprehend how he manages to sing it and still 'cause you to sympathize with his point of view. It's how he writes, ...plain and simple. Saying those things that others 'think' in the heads and hearts, but dare not say outloud. David sings them for us and gives us our voices in the meantime. "Love after Wine" is a genius of a lyric that celebrates the delicate balance of love with a delicious give and take between a man and women, with guest vocalist, Cathy Burton. The title cut is the most Dylanesque with it's hammond organ and reveals how David just calls it like it is, as he exposes unrequitted love in all it's vanity. My favorite cut is "For This Night" as it includes the best of all that David does as a songwriter. He tells the story of a break up and the endless parade of those that will never be the one that 'got away' no matter how much time you spend with them. It's sheer skill that he writes so simply and poignantly in one stroke of pen to paper. Another tune that deserves a special listen, "Love Inside Me", shows how it's not just what you say, but how you say it, as a songwriter. When he sings, "I watch a movie, I fell asleep, Then daylight woke me, I still felt weak", he conveys with the slightest inflection of his voice how a lost love lingers and truly feels. David Saw is a songwriter and this is not only evident in this release but celebrated by the likes of other stellar fans of his music, namely his buddy, Ben Taylor and Ben's mother, Carly Simon. Both are fans of his writing and often perform his tunes in concert. Remember the name, the next time you happen upon a tune that lingers in your head.., it could very easily be a David Saw lyric. ~~BD