Hemi Rudner-Harvest Time

At first I was certain I'd write about Yair Lapid and the elections but then I came across this song and it's so lovely and peaceful that I don't feel like tainting it with politics. It's so soothing and perfect for a much needed catch of breath during exam period. Hemi Rodner is known for his melancholic and pretty songs (this one somehow feels very light) and he's also the leader of the 90s band which recently got back together Eifo Hayeled (where is the kid) with great anthems that are still very fresh and relevaent today like this one from '93(!)

In dreams I return
Return to that village of my childhood
The same place the same hour
The familiar smell of fruit trees

In dreams I remember
All that I forgot about myself
An endless twilight
Beautiful a little bleak half state of mind
I went back to my home and to my childhood

Maybe it's harvest time now
Collect yourself and be a father
The boy you are yearning for
Will miss you, be afraid, will love
Will be happy, laugh, be a father

Time doesn't give a passport
And the present is concrete blocks
You wonder what went wrong
Where did the fire go how not to despair
How to continue to dream how to continue
To dream

Maybe it's harvest time now

http://hemirudner.bandcamp.com/

Max Pink-Elections Song

Elections are just around the corner and I still haven't decided who to vote for yet. I'm one of those undecided "floating" voters whom pollsters are probably pretty frustated with. My main debate is between my heart and my head. My heart is telling me to vote for "Ale Yarok-The Liberal List"a small party whose beliefs completely match mine but might not make it to the threshold meaning that my vote will go to Bibi (ugh) and even if it does recieve a seat or two I'm not sure what a difference it will make in the government. I want to believe that I can really make a difference by voting for a group I believe in but will it really be a significant difference? My head is telling me to vote for one of the more mainstream central parties that will neutralize the government making it more representative of the country and less of small but influental minority groups whose ideals clash with mine. The thing is that I have a personal problem with the people in these parties-I don't trust (nor appreciate) Lapid and I'm dissapointed with Tzipi for not choosing her battles and being way too stubborn which made the government into what it is today. The fact that they weren't able to unite just shows how egoistic they both are. But behind both of them are some very good people whom I (want to) trust will make a positive influence and weaken the extremists' power. Then again, I could always go with Meretz who have proved how influental they can be from the opposition with only three seats. I don't agree with all of their beliefs but they will give a much needed contra balancing things out. No matter how great my indecision is I'll still cast my vote at the ballot on Jan. 22 because no party is perfect and the alternative would be to passively vote for a party I completely disagree with. There's been a big campaign to encourage voting saying that whoever chooses not to vote loses his right to complain (a favorite Israeli pastime) which makes a lot of sense. Still, I can't ignore the voice in my head saying that just because I'll help out a party I agree with, it means that my interest is at the top of their list of priorities because it just doesn't work that way in politics. So I'll do my civillian duty and vote but it's hard to believe that things are going to change dramatically. This is a great song that really expresses this feeling which I think is less out of despair and more about thinking realistically. Also, Max Pink is a great singer whose voice really deserves to be heard. This is his first single from his upcoming debut album.

Elections are soon, nothing is going to change anyways
So what do you care, give me your vote
Don't give it to them, give me your vote
Don't give it to them, that way without votes they won't be able to exist
So what do you care, give me your vote

I don't promise to lower taxes, the prices of appartments will stay skyscrapers
I don't promise to bring peace, it'll be sad if there won't be anythng to dream about
So pick me, pick me
Pick me...

Iran is soon, if you haven't been convinced yet then now the fear is here
Well, what do you care, give me everything
I dont promise to lower taxes, the prices of appartments will stay skyscrapers
I don't promise to bring peace, it'll be sad if there won't be anything to dream about
So pick me, pick me
Pick me...

Old Man River- Old Shanghai

Beck just released his newest "single"-the chords and lyrics of"Old Shanghai", part of his very original songbook. I'm personally pretty jealous of everyone who can read chords and give the song their own unique interpretation but it's great just listening to the different versions. TimeOut Tel Aviv made a little project featuring 5 very different artists who all played the song. There was something about this specific version that really caught my attention and won me over. Maybe it's the simplicity, maybe it's Ohad Rein's singing which is not only pitch perfect but also really captures the emotion of the song. I can really imagine him wandering around in Asia absorbing all the wonders of an exotic place while being a bit homesick for the familiar and a certain someone. I remember hearing Old Man River's huge hit "La" back in '07 and it's great to hear him again. Since then he's released quite a few albums so I have a lot of catching up to do! I also found through his facebook a recent cover album with very original and unique covers which you can download for free! Made my weekend :)

When you're walking in old Shanghai
Lanterns under the night sky
See the moon begin to rise
Just like it did back home

Old men smoking in cafes
Junk boats floating in the bay
Think of me while you're away
In old Shanghai

With no ties, with no plan
Your last dollar in your hands
Take a picture and send it back
To someone you used to know

Things will always find their way
From the backroads to the bay
There's more to do than there is to say
In old Shanghai

Things will always find their way
From the backroads to the bay
There's more to life than you or I will ever say
In old Shanghai

http://oldmanrivermusic.com/

Hilly Boimel-If you'll call

A perfect song for a rainy Saturday like today, meant for rest and reflection. I really like Hilly's clarity-you can hear so clearly every word. I'm used to singers who hide their lyrics behind the music and here they're very out there and open. It's quite vulnerable and also brave which blends well with the meaning of the lyrics.

Quiet
No one is asleep.
Whoever is cold and broken,
The light won't reach out its hand
As it told him not to jump into the night
So he'll only shed a broken tear
On the still pieces
And will murmur in a cracked voice-

If you'll call me I will come

Quiet
Raving
Commotion sealed lips.
When it's already cold everything is allowed,
The light won't reach out its hand
As it told him not to jump into the night
So he'll only shed a broken tear
On the still pieces
And will murmur in a cracked voice-

If you'll call me I will come

https://www.facebook.com/hillyboimel