One More Reason to Love Florence + the Machine :: "Hospital Beds" (Cold War Kids cover)

I am a huge fan of Florence Welch. The girl can flat out sing. I'm sure most of you are familiar with her recent success, particularly the hit Dog Days, which was all over the place last year. Well, if you have grown a bit weary of everyone overplaying that song but really enjoyed the greatness that is Florence + the Machine, I highly recommend checking out her album "Lungs: The B-sides". Most of these tracks haven't hit radio, despite showcasing Welch's powerhouse of a voice. My personal favorite is the cover she does of the Cold War Kids song Hospital Beds. While imitation is the highest form of flattery (Welch has adamantly expressed her love for Cold War Kids, and performed this song at Coachella last year with lead singer Nathan Willett), she makes the song her own with a unique and powerful interpretation.

(don't forget to download the songs for yourself by clicking the blue titles)

Here is the cover for your listening pleasure.

Hospital Beds- Florence + the Machine



For those of you who haven't heard the original yet, check it out below.

Saying Goodbye to Etta James (Jan.25, 1938 - Jan. 20, 2012)

Today the world lost singing legend Etta James, just days before her 74th birthday. James had been in failing health in recent years, having been diagnosed with Alzheimers disease in 2008 and Leukemia and Hepatitis C in 2011. The singer was deemed terminally ill just over a month ago, and has finally succumbed to Leukemia and other illnesses.

With a career that began in the mid 1950's, James is widely regarded as one of the greatest American singers of all time. Her long career showcased an immense talent, and prolific style that fused many musical genres including blues, jazz, rock & roll, soul, and gospel. The breadth of her influence is evident in her accolades. James was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Blues Hall of Fame, and the Grammy Hall of Fame. In her lifetime she also was awarded 6 Grammy's and 17 Blues Music Awards, and was named as #22 on the Rolling Stone list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.

Despite her well-known struggle with substance use throughout her life and career, James broke through as a major talent as an artist for Chess Records, during its heyday in the 1960's. James is best known for her work during this period, compiling an impressive string of hits such as I Just Want to Make Love to You, Something's Got a Hold on Me, and her signature song At Last. Though her work in the 1970's-1980's never reached the same level of critical acclaim, the unique gravel-laden voice James produced with every belted note remained constant in her performances and production into the 2000's.

Etta will always hold a special place in my heart. I'm sure many of you share a connection to this singer, as her epic version of At Last has likely served as the soundtrack to as many of your romantic moments as it has mine. I encourage you all to take a few moments today to enjoy her gift. Below you will find a great live performance of her hit Somethings Got a Hold On Me. Her presence will be missed, but her talent will never be forgotten.

Soul Men: 12 Great Tracks

To celebrate the beginning of a new year I thought I would share with you some of my all-time favorite music performed by some classic old-school Soul singers. Below you will find a playlist of 12 awesome tracks. I chose ones that featured artists or songs some of you may not yet know, or those that were rare live performances. A few worth particular attention are the Jackie Wilson performance on the TV show, "Shindig" (1965), the rare gem "60 Minute Man" by the Dominoes, and "Cry to Me" by the late Solomon Burke who died just a few months ago. Be expecting a "Soul Women" edition soon!

Here is to wishing you all a year filled with adventure, good health, peace, and a wonderful soundtrack to accompany it all.