These are important albums. Luckily, they're also excellent ones.
SIBL founder Deborah Pardes has gathered songs from such terrific artists as Aimee Mann, Bruce Springsteen, Suzanne Vega, Ray Manzarek, Grace Slick, Steve Earle, Tom Waits, David Bowie, and Roseanne Cash, as well as winners of songwriting contests held specifically for this project. The theme these songs have in common is that they are all based on the writings of others. Songs Inspired By Literature -- SIBL.
Songs Inspired by Literature: Chapter One is the name of the first album and it is credited to Artists for Literature. Jill Tracy's "Evil Night Together" (the grand-prize winner of the contest) is a particular standout. Other favorites are
"Tolstoy" by Bob Hillman,
"Still Crying" by Essence, "He Can't Come Today" by the Doors' Ray Manzarek, and "7th Step" by (SIBL founder) Deborah Pardes.
"All net proceeds from the sale of this CD go towards programs that teach and/or promote reading. The Songs Inspired by Literature Project - SIBL - is committed to creating a more literate world. We are a nonprofit organization made up of musicians, authors, teachers, and journalists. together we're using the universal language of music as a vehicle to engage, inspire, and reinforce the magic of literature and the power of reading."
So, if you can read this, express your thanks and--even if you don't normally buy CDs--buy one of
these two and support literacy.
These are the track listing so that, after
buying the
CDs, you can go buy the books as well.
Ana Porter - Hunger
Inspired by T.S. Eliot's poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock"
(included in this very inexpensive Eliot anthology)
Gaskit - Peel This Away
Inspired by Elie Wiesel's autobiographical novel Night
Or, if you'd prefer just to donate money, that is available on their website, as well.
You'll get a free CD and it's tax deductible!
...And while you're on CD Baby, buy these albums that I personally recommend and have reviewed here on Green Man Review.
TIM GRIMM: Heart Land
Named 2000's "Best Discovery" in roots/Americana music by the Chicago Sun-Times, "his
rich, expressive vocals put him among the best in the genre." true country-folk.
HEATHER SHAYNE BLAKESLEE: Bones
Cowboy zen with a nose ring: alt-folk, pop, and country-twinged narratives that'll make you want to cry in your whiskey.
True roots-americana. masterful storyteller- award-winning songwriter with a rich, original voice that's been compared to the greats-- Cash, Haggard, Springsteen to name a few...
And I heard this couple on WUMB-FM from Boston. They were terrific!
NEAL AND LEANDRA: Old Love
"These are songs of great warmth and simplicity of which a half-dozen I believe will be classics."--Tom Paxton
NEAL AND LEANDRA: Bridge Rail
A keen melodic sense and incredible harmonies through a sparse yet fulfilling acoustic sound.
NEAL AND LEANDRA: Listen to the Angels
A gorgeous and peacful, joyful and true collection of songs to listen to by the fireplace or the tree, or whenever you want to be reminded of what Christmas is really all about.
Reviews appearing elsewhere on this site (just check out the
reviews page).
BROKENNESS: ICU In Dandylions
Mix The Beatles ‘Sgt. Pepper’, Bob Dylan’s ‘Blood On The Tracks’, a recovering heroin addict, the faith and love of a child and the power of music and you get the new, darkly inspirational CD ‘ICU In Dandylions’.
VARIOUS ARTISTS: Anthology: Urban Beats Vol.1
Sophisticated,melodic urban music with power and passion.
VARIOUS ARTISTS: Connecti Cuts
The BEST of Connecticut.The music is edgy power rock, haunting melodic alternative rock, laid-back reggae vibes, R&B influenced pop & outspoken, visceral hip-hop rap.
DANNY FRYE & THE DEVIL DOLLS UK: Hellbent-LP
Melodic high energy punkabilly rock & roll like you've never heard before.. If you like bands like The Supersuckers & Rocket From The Crypt, and The Reverend Horton Heat you'll definately fall head over heels for Danny Frye & the D-Dolls ..
Artists for Literacy (The SIBL Project), Songs Inspired by Literature: Volume One
