Michael Jones: "All These People" from Oh My Nola by Harry Connick, Jr.
For his latest musical offering, Harry Connick, Jr. went back to the studio and recorded two albums meant to pay tribute to his hometown, as well as to serve notice that all thoughts of New Orleans do not have to be sorrowful. Instead, he offers the ideals of hope, history, love, and understanding. Of course, as those of us from Louisiana are want to do, he added a lil' bit of Langiappe to his albums, by making sure they were just as equally filled with beautiful music as they were with beautiful intentions..
The song I've found myself listening to over and over, a stunner of a track entitled "All These People," comes off of the more lyrical of the two releases, Oh My Nola. Blessed with additional vocals from Gospel legend Kim Burrell, the song (one of only four Connick-penned originals on the album) is just this wonderful slow-burner of a musical elegy dealing with the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. I just... well, let's just say that I just love everything about this song, all at the same time that I mourn the thing that inspired it.
As a side note, the companion album to Oh My Nola, the mainly instrumental Chanson du Vieux Carre, is an amazing album in its own right. If you have the chance and opportunity, buy both albums and sit back with your headphones and visit the music of Harry Connick's (and my own) heritage.
Article comments
1 - Connie Phillips
Great selections this week everyone. Thanks to the contributors for keeping this going, and thanks to DJR for not only contributing but continuing to compile it for our reading and listening pleasure.
There's a handful I'm not familiar with and will spend some time later today searching out. And several that I've been reminded should compose a playlist in my iPod.
2 - DJRadiohead
Yes, Connie, some great selections this week. I have spent the last two weeks with "Seattle" music. I am going to try to branch out this week to something else.
3 - Mat Brewster
Man, I haven't listened to "In Utero" in a long time. I'm not even sure I know where it is, or if I even own it anymore.
Whenever I hear "We Will Rock You" I always think of one of the opening bits on "cheers" where someone starts tapping on the table with a pencil, then another clicks their glass and it slowly moves into a full on version of the song. Classic.
4 - Connie Phillips
Oh my goodness. I remember that scene too, Mat.
Something happens to a song when it gets associated with sports, it takes on a new life and never really seems to go away. Probably by design, then to be ones with either uber contagious lyrics, rhythms or melodies.
5 - Mat Brewster
It was a great bloody scene on a great bloody show. "We Will Rock You" has that anthematic beat coupled with lyrics that really fit a sporting event. And everybody gets to clap and stomp. Always a plus.