Huevos-Young Spirit

Yeah! A perfect song for the new year. I love this clip by Huevos, it reminds me a bit of Roy Kafri's footage of his awesome niece. I hope both girls never change. Shana Tova!

She has rhythm
There's interest
The man of spirit
Flies with them
In a world of lies
And impersonation
Every artist
Requires sponsorship

Come young spirit
Come wide eyed spirit
Fill this place
Come young spirit
Come wide eyed spirit
Redeem this place

She has a message
She has a statement
I am here so that
There will be a choice
Because in a world of money
And compromise
To bring the spirit
Is not simple

Come young spirit
Come wide eyed spirit
Fill this place
Come young spirit
Come wide eyed spirit
Redeem this place

Nechi Nech - i-Dishe Rasta Man

I always thought it would be an interesting idea to photograph a "Humans of New York" style portfolio of different cities in Israel. My first thought was Ramat Gan, with its mix of immigrants from different corners of the world and the country who have quickly established their roots. Something about the place feels more permanent and authentic than Tel Aviv which for many is just a stop (however enjoyable) along the way. But then I saw this clip and realized that this is the true Israel that's often overlooked. The clip was filmed in the "Tkuma" neighborhood of Petach Tikva but there are so many similar neighborhoods throughout the country, usually on the peripheries of cities, usually serving as home to waves of immigrants. This clip doesn't have the inspirational quotes of HONY but it does give a glimpse of life in "the neighborhood" and the expressions on everyone's faces are so powerful and revealing.
Besides, it's a great song which is getting justified radio air play. It was written by Nechi Nech and Ehud Banai, and it's inspired by one of Banai's earliest songs of the same name. Nechi Nech is a true rising star-he's been around for a while but I first came across his name with the radio hit "Coffee and Cigarettes", one of the more powerful and honest songs I've heard in quite a while. Check out his recent album over on bandcamp.

I'm i-Dishe-Rasta Man and I have no fear
Everybody sing along with me
I'm i-Dishe-Rasta Man and I have no fear
Everybody sing along with me

i-Dishe-Rasta Man fights every day to breathe
Gives Thanks to God when he rises and when he goes to bed
Supports the family, takes care of his friends
Who make sure to raise the volume of the speakers
i-Dishe Rasta Man a true Israeli
Doesn't deal with bullshit, and speaks only the truth
So who, raise one hand up with me
Ichi Ban is number one so yalla!

I'm i-Dishe-Rasta Man...

I have no fear to dare to fulfill my dreams
To swim against the tide and to break conventions
I say my truth, without pressing on the brakes
Straightforward, without lies or interests
Sends respect to the brothers who believed and influenced
Comes from the neighborhood so he never forgets who he is
Runs the talk between the buildings
Knows that there is one up there managing everything
Gives everyone equal treatment it's important to always remember
Regardless of religion, race, gender, ethnicity or skin color
Sees all his life everyone fighting against themselves
So he always believes in free love

Yossi Suede-Mayim Achronim

Yossi Suede, leader of the Jerusalem folk (and cult) group "Cham Umechamem Boom" (active from 1999-2011) is back with a debut solo album and it's interesting to see how the years have influenced his music. According to this article Mayim Achronim (which I just discovered its meaning today) was born "from leaving Jerusalem and [Suede's] feelings that he no longer has a place in it. In the song there are many motives from Judaism and the Hassidic world, which are connected with the difficult reality and grayness of the city". There is definitely a sober feeling to this song, like waking up from a wild party, but there's also something very optimistic about it, maybe it's the whole mentality of "smile, everything's for the best" which tends to clash with the cynicism shared by so many people here. Just to put thing in perspective, this is the side of Jerusalem (and Israel) that's much more familiar to me (in Hebrew, but so, so funny).

Mayim Achronim I am looking for diamonds in the streets of Jerusalem
Last sunlight when you touch the summit you will say here it comes
You long my dear, come back again
Mayim Achronim I met beggars in the palaces of Jerusalem
A crooked eye I paid for a blessing they told me here it comes
You long my dear, come back again
Even if you are wearing stone
Who conquered whom who killed whom who expelled whom Jerusalem
White skin if you hear a war warn here it comes
Solar on a puddle shows the rainbow of the covenant of Genesis trickling over Jerusalem
You long my dear, come back again
Even if you are wearing stone
Decorated with a wall
Mayim Achronim I met priests in the ruins of Jerusalem
A moment of unity between dream and reality I yelled-it's coming
The lost came I was pushed to the sides in my battle over Temple Mount
You long my dear
Come disperse again to my eyes, to our eyes
You kicked out your youngest son
And you were sold to foreigners
I remembered your piety
Do not forget too
Those who remember that you are
Gentle
Sensitive
Poetic
And containing

Jane Bordeaux- Einav

Not sure if it's because of the name of this band, or this song (Einav means grape) but this feels like a refreshing glass of wine-classy but also playful. Perfect for this cozy time of the year (well, it's not really Autumn yet but soon...)

For each one there is that one who makes her restless
For each one there is that one who takes away all her energy
Let's say that mine is named Einav
Let's say that her hair has a golden hue
Let's say that it's not a slander
If I were to say that she's even kind of a bitch

Einav Einav go back to the Moshav now
I'm not jealous yes that's not the case
This city is too small for the both of us
Einav Einav go back to the Moshav now
I'm not jealous yes that's not the case
This city is too small for the both of us

Let's say that Einav is talented and also very pretty
Let's say that the bitch is tan even in Winter
She's like a bruise on the toe from the foot of a chair
Like gravel in the sole that never comes out
We need to throw to the sea
All the "Einavs" in this world
And then for sure everyone's mood will improve

Einav Einav go back to the Moshav now...