StephenBarkley.com » Good Music

Broken Bells | The High Road

Stephen Barkley — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:35:04 +0000

This song is just brilliant. The lyrics, the restrained melody, the harmonious coda all scream beauty.

The dawn to end all nights
That’s all we hoped it was

David Bazan | Bless This Mess

Stephen Barkley — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:00:14 +0000

After hearing this, I just had to pass it on. Man, this group’s tight. Blow it up full screen HD and crank your speakers!

That Melancholy Ghost

Stephen Barkley — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 02:18:55 +0000

It’s been a real long time since I had to get my wife to drive so I could listen to that brand-new Choir CD, “O How the Mighty Have Fallen” while reading the liner notes.

Good news Choir fans: I just checked out their website, and they’re recording again. Here’s one of the songs:

Smooth vocals, melodic hooks, distinctive drumming, and hollow-sounding guitar-scapes. I can hardly wait for the release.

You can see and hear lot more at their website: thechoir.net.

From Pop to Profound

Stephen Barkley — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:00:01 +0000

I found this brilliant little piece of music and had to share it. What do you think? Does Hamelin’s treatment of Nokia’s motif cut through the urge to run for your phone?

(A related note: Hamelin did a stunning job on Alkan’s Concerto for Solo Piano. He’s got virtuosity to spare!)

DJ Earworm & the Year of Pop in Review

Stephen Barkley — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:00:32 +0000

Say what you want about the state of pop music today. It takes quite a mind to put it together like this:

Worship Music, Inc.

Stephen Barkley — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:00:37 +0000

A friend of mine just sent me a link to an excellent post on Worship Music. I’m often frustrated by what I have to work with on any given Sunday morning—Brett McCracken manages to express what I’ve often thought. Give it a read:

The Tragedy of (Most) Modern Worship Music

Bach & Beethoven

Stephen Barkley — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:00:16 +0000

Have you checked out Open Culture yet? You really need to. I returned from a weekend away at Silver Birches camp by Kirkland Lake and found these two brilliant videos on Bach and Beethoven. Enjoy!

Bach:

Beethoven:

A Mixtape Just for You

Stephen Barkley — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:00:16 +0000

I just hopped on board the mixtape.me bandwagon. While the catalogue isn’t as deep as I’d hoped, there’s a lot of good stuff on there.

Here’s some of the music I’ve been enjoying lately. Enjoy!

Cash & Dylan: Dueling Legends

Stephen Barkley — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:00:45 +0000

How could I not pass this on?

[Unfortunately this video was yanked from YouTube]

Check out Open Culture. That’s where I discovered this gem.

Driving on City Sidewalks | Where Angels Crowd to Listen

Stephen Barkley — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:51:51 +0000

This post is long overdue.

You know the joy that comes from discovering a band before they’re popular? The smug attitude that follows the words, “Yeah, I knew them before they sold out”? Now’s the time: listen to Driving on City Sidewalks.

Their sound is inspired by Explosions in the Sky and Appleseed Cast. It’s moody, atmospheric, and has the ability to soar to overdubbed climaxes that leave the listener inspired. They’re like a movie soundtrack without the movie.

Driving on City Sidewalks is getting some well-earned press now. Here are some of the reviews & interviews:

I should be honest and offer a little disclaimer: I’ve been friends with Barry Meilke for a years, and have watched this project develop. That said, judge for yourself. Give them a listen.