As I've already demonstrated in my recent blog My Parents = Awesomeness, my Mom enjoys good variety of rock and pop musicians. So I thought it would be a fabulous idea to buy David van Vuuren's album "Free the Animals" for her. Of course, before giving the CD over to my Mom, I had to check it for scratches, which required me to have a good listen to it. (Of course!) And of course, I was just salivating over the possibility of a good topic for a blog.
Now, as you may know from a previous blog of mine (Oh, go on - read another one), I was a huge fan of Dave's during his competing in SA Idols last year. So as you may imagine, it was exciting to finally get my hands on this. To be honest, I'm somewhat befuddled by the album entirely. Completely befuddled actually.
I heard the following three things:
1. A little bit of Coldplay:
This is undoubtedly a compliment; there is a significant trace of Chris Martin in Dave's voice and style. It's subtle, but definitely there, and while I personally feel that this style is a bit too "safe" for Dave's amazing voice, it does work for him, as far as being "commercial" goes.
2. A little bit of Johnny Cash:
Yes, this is a surprise. In some of his slower tracks, David's low gravelly voice is strangely reminiscent of Johnny Cash. Now this, as far as I'm concerned, is both a compliment - because Johnny Cash was a legend in his own way - and a bit of criticism, because too much Johnny Cash can be... well, sobering, for lack of a better word. (actually, the better word is 'depressing', but that's hardly respectful to the legend himself) One can therefore be thankful that David injects enough life and soaring vocals into his songs to counteract and compliment the Johnny-Cash-effect.
3. A lot of David van Vuuren:
Simply put, David's got something unique that can not be compared to any other musician. There's something about his raw, emotional presentation of song that makes you feel like this beautiful stranger has just spilled his heart out into your soul, through his music. Despite the small musical flaws - of which there are a few - one can not help but feel touched. The exciting thing is that musical flaws can be improved upon... and then.... Greatness.
David van Vuuren was previously the lead vocalist in a metal core band called "Freedom For Your Life", which he started with a high school mate in Grade 11. To be frank - and perhaps I'm biased because of my love for hard rock - I would love to hear David get back to this genre, and it is my personal hope that in time he tries it. Even if he just dabbles in it. I guess I'd just love to hear him scream.
As SA's voted Idol, perhaps he is somewhat committed to 'play it safe' for a while...? Either way, my prayer is that he follows his heart, because that's where the music is. I have a feeling that no matter what David chooses to do, he will always have South African's behind him.
From what I've heard of the CD, I liked it. I think I could love it. I may even be having one of those sad "Aw-I-gave-it-away" moments. This may call for another trip to Look and Listen. Of course, the question remains: what did Mom think? Hmmm.
Listen to some of David's tracks on his band's Facebook page here.
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