Noah Budin: Links

Things I Like

In my blogs about songwriting, I mention that it is important to have a genuine interest in many things, to seek knowledge, to love learning, and to have a well rounded life with varied experiences.

And so, on this page, I’ll share with you some of my favorite things – from books, to people, to music, to places, and more – and where to find them.

Feel free to send me an email and tell me some of your favorite things, with a note of explanation, and I may post them on this site. Another way to do it is to post a comment to any of my blogs.

Noah’s Favorite Books:

I don’t read for pleasure as much as I would like to. When I do, it’s usually in bed at the end of a long day. Needless to say, I don’t get a good quantity of reading done before I’m nodding off and dropping the book on my face. (I mean we’ve all done that, right? I don’t mean that you’ve dropped a book on my face…well, you know what I mean.)

But over the last several years, I’ve read some amazing books. Here’s a few I think everybody ought to read:

The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

A remarkable sci-fi/first contact/theological/romance/thriller kind of book. Loved it.

The Poisonwood Bible: by Barbara Kingsolver

This is an astonishing and lovely work of fiction about a missionary family in Africa in 1959 as they weather the Congo’s fight for independence from Belgium. The genius of the writing is in the narration: each chapter in turn is narrated by one of the women in the family – the mother, a teenaged daughter, adolescent twins and a five year old daughter – as they chronicle their husband’s/father’s plight as he brings his brand of Evangelical Baptism to the natives, and their own stories of love, loss and coming of age in this strange, isolated, war-torn place.

Life of Piby Yann Martel

A sentence near the end of this book literally (actually) took my breath away. I won’t give too much away, but the main character, Pi, a practicing Christian, Hindu and Buddhist, engages us with his artfully told story of becoming shipwrecked with an unlikely companion, and their survival. It was that moment near the end, however, that I realized that, for me, this is what Torah is. I’m sure you can apply the message to any religion or sect, and I’m sure that’s the author’s intent.

A Short History of Nearly Everythingby Bill Bryson

Bryson is one of my favorite authors. He’s articulate and funny. Known mostly as a travel writer, his A Walk In the Woods, a chronicle of his attempt to hike the entire Appalachian Trail, and In A Sunburned Country, which takes us through Australia, are vivid and laugh-out-loud funny. What’s wonderful about his writing is his ability to deliver the subject matter right to you, no matter how near or far, high or low concept, so that you feel like you’re right there with him and you understand exactly what he’s telling you. So it is with A Short History of Nearly Everything. Bryson explores the age-old question “where did we come from?” and touches on everything from the “Big Bang” to molecular science to geology to archaeology to paleontology to physics and much more. He opens up the world of science to us in ways that invite us in like old friends and touch our hearts and imaginations. What really makes this tome (and it is long) accessible, interesting and readable, even where you may not understand any of the science (for me, physics) is his ability to get to know the personalities of the people who made a difference and to bring them into the room with us. This book had a profound effect on the way I view living things and the means by which I reconcile God and Science.

Noah's Favorite Poetry

My favorite poet is Billy Collins. Billy Collins was the nation's Poet Laureate from 2001 -2003. Among his many other distinctions, he received the inaugural Mark Twain Award for humorous poetry in 2004. I recommend his book "Sailing Alone Around the Room."
For a really cool poetry site, check out Rick Lupert's Lupert: It's the Website at www.poetrysuperhighway.com. And for some really cool poetry check out Rick's stuff.
I also like the poetry of Li-Young Lee.
If you are interested in writing poetry, whether you are a novice or have been published, I recommend the book "The Poetry Home Repair Manual" by Ted Kooser. Kooser is another former Poet Laureate and has some great, easy to understand and put into practice, advice.
For good anthologies, I recommend "Good Poems" edited by Garrison Keillor and "Poetry 180" and "180 More" edited by Billy Collins.
For a sample of some of my poetry click here.

Noah’s Recommended Listening

So, I started to write an introduction to this section and it became too long and not completely relevant to what I’m posting here. But, I’ve posted it on my blog “Noah’s Notes.” If you want to know which mainstream artists I really dislike, click here.

But, now let’s go with that “dessert island” question. You know, the one that asks, “if you were stranded on a dessert island and you could only have 10 CDs with you…” Only I’m not sure I can limit myself to 10.

So, here’s a diverse collection of music that I love:

Gotta start with the Beatles. In June of 1967 (the Summer of Love) Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys were poised to become the biggest breakthrough pop sensation ever. They (really Brian) were influenced by the Beatle’s “Rubber Soul” album. Brian started working on writing and recording “Pet Sounds” which includes the song, among many other great songs, “Good Vibrations.” The thing about “Pet Sounds” is that it was probably the most innovative album at that time, and it was the most expensive ever produced up to that point. It included lush, inventive layers of harmony, experimental instrument sounds, and various sound effects not heard in pop music. Needless to say, “Pet Sounds” had a great influence on the Beatles as they were creating “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” When “Sergeant Pepper” came out in June of ’67, it eclipsed everything. It created a void in which no other music existed. There was nothing like it; not before, and not since. “Sergeant Pepper” stands alone as the breakthrough pop album that changed everything about the way pop music was written, recorded, and listened to. The song “A Day in the Life” stands out as possibly the most important pop song in history. But, while I guess I would have to include “Sergeant Pepper” on my island list, I would find it impossible to leave off “Rubber Soul.” And while we’re at it, I’d have to include “Help” and “Revolver” which set the stage for “Pepper.”

Paul Simon. While I love just about everything from the Simon and Garfunkle era, I’d have to say that in terms of history making, ground breaking, essential listening music, “Graceland” would have to be near the top of my chart. I would have it with me on the island. However, I’d also have to take along Simon’s self-titled, first solo release which includes the songs “Mother and Child Reunion,” “Duncan,” and “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard,” and his next record, “There Goes Rhymin’ Simon,” with the hauntingly beautiful “American Tune,” “St. Judy’s Commet,” the buoyant Gospel of “Love’s Me Like a Rock,” and the lovely “Tenderness,” both backed vocally by the Dixie Hummingbirds. The hidden gem, however, among his body of work is a record called “Hearts and Bones.” It was a commercial failure but a critical success. From its up-tempo opening song “Allergies” with a scorching electric guitar solo by Al DiMeola, to his opening line “One and one half wandering Jews…” in the titile track, to the hypnotic “Train in the Distance,” this album is a masterpiece and must be included on my island.

It would be difficult for me to choose just one James Taylor album, but it might have to be “One Man Dog” with the incredibly beautiful and soulful “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight.” If you only know James’s hits, then you probably don’t know this album. I won’t go on at length about it, but there’s some pretty amazing stuff on there. Listen for yourself. Looking back over his catalogue, I could write on and on about all of the tracks on all of the albums I love, but it would be way too long, even for me.

Somewhere over the last ten years or so you’ve probably heard that haunting version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” sung in a sweet, moving tenor, accompanied by a ukulele. It’s been in movies and used in commercials and was featured on the TV show ER as Dr. Green lay dying and listening to it on his headphones. The artist responsible for this rendition was a Hawaiian native named Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, or “IZ” for short. Unfortunately, IZ weighed in at over 700 pounds and died at the age of 38 from a weight related respiratory illness. He left behind 2 albums of beautiful music, and his record “Facing Future” which includes “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” (which he melds with “What a Wonderful World”) has a permanent place in my island collection.

One of the most innovative, inventive, smart and fun musical groups to come along in a long time is OutKast. OutKast is a duo made up of Hip Hop artists Dre 3000 (Andre Benjamin) and Big Boi (Antwan Patton). On my island, I would clear a special space on the shelf for “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below” which is really a double album consisting of one solo album from each of the members of the group. Every track on each of the discs has something to give, but the commercial hit “Hey Ya!” is so infectious and fresh, it’s worth the price of the CD.

One dark night, when you have nothing to do, and you have a quiet place in which to do nothing, and you have at least one uninterrupted hour, turn the lights down low, get a bottle of your favorite beverage (I don’t recommend Mountain Dew), situate yourself comfortably, and put on “Small Change” by Tom Waits. As one reviewer said, “This ain’t no party CD. This is for listening…” Along with his emotive, gravelly voice, Waits’ genius is his ability to craft a lyric so deftly, yet so unusually, using odd word combinations and vivid images, which grab the listener by the, uh, shirt collar and pulls him right into the smoke-filled bar, the burlesque hall or onto the dimly lit street corner, and make him feel and understand the pain of a broken heart, the demise of a small time crook, the trade of a stripper. It’s a listening experience.

“From Strength to Strength” is a terrific offering from Minnesota Folk-Rocker Peter Himmelman. Himmelman happens to be the son-in-law of Bob Dylan (married to his step-daughter) but made his career on his own merits. He’s an observant Jew who doesn’t write overtly about his faith, but the astute listener can hear references in his lyrics. My favorite track is “Woman With the Strength of Ten Thousand Men.” He’s another songwriter who can craft a lyric with unusual word combinations and evoke vivid images.

One of the best produced albums I’ve ever heard is one called “Perfectly Frank.” It’s Tony Bennett singing 24 of Frank Sinatra’s hits. Tony is backed by the Ralph Sharon Trio and you could swear he’s sitting in the room right next to you. It’s warm and intimate; not grand, orchestrated arrangements, but simple and eloquent and beautiful jazz arrangements. As Tony pays tribute to Frank, he doesn’t try to emulate him. Rather, he adds his own inimitable touch and makes the songs his own. It was released in 1992 and was re-mastered and re-released 2006.

I love Lisa Loeb’s “Firecracker” CD. If I could have Lisa on my island…well, never mind. I can’t. But I would have “Firecracker.” It was her second album and was released in 1997. Among my favorite cuts are the opening track “I Do,” “Falling In Love,” which includes the refrain, “The time between meeting and finally leaving is/Sometimes called falling in love,” and “Dance with the Angels.” Strong melody and experts hooks, great lyrics and terrific production.

Gotta have "What Up Dog" by Was (Not Was).This eclectic pop/funk/jazz/rap/rock/disco group was spearheaded by musicians/songwriters/producers David Weiss and Don Fagenson who went by the names of David Was and Don Was - hence the name Was (Not Was). They recruited vocalists Harry Bowen and "Sweat Pea" Atkinson as front men for the group and recorded four albums and one compilation album. Their stuff is amazing. As you may have guessed, it's not easy to classify or pigeonhole, which is why record companies would not sign them, or keep them on. But there's not a bad cut on "What Up Dog" from the tender ballad "Shadow and Jimmy" to the politically charged "11 Mph" to the funky dance hit "Walk the Dinosaur" to the guest vocal by Frank Sinatra, Jr. to the unclassifiable Tom Waits-like "Dad I'm in Jail." And it's all done with humor, style and excellent songwriting and production values.

High Lonesome Sound Vince Gillhas been recording music since 1979 when he was with Pure Prairie League. Vince is generally know as a Country artist, and he's got one of the most beautiful, pure, tenor, pop voices I've ever heard. Even though I don't love everything on it, I have to include his 1996 release "High Lonesome Sound"on my list. For anything I don't love, "Pretty Little Adriana," "Worlds Apart" and "Jenny Dreamed of Trains" (which was co-written with Texas songwriter Guy Clark) more than make up for them. These are hauntingly beautiful, ethereal, sublime tracks that just make you sit still, close your eyes and soak in the sound.

One of the most talented, creative, and refreshing songwriters/performers/recording artists I know is Billy Jonas. Billy's CD "Life So Far" is superb in every aspect. The songs are wordy and on the long side, but they Bill Jonas never bore or become tedious. In fact, it's just the opposite; they are inventive and engaging and unlike anything you've ever heard before. And you've gotta see this guy live! Billy bills himself as a re-percussionist; All of his percussion instruments are made from found objects. His rhythms are infectious, his lyrics are mind-boggling, his vocals are warm, humorous and likable, and he's a hell of a guitarist. He tackles a diverse array subjects from love to sleeping to slice-of-life scenarios to politics to God, in ways that are all at once heartwarming, poignant, light-hearted and deep. Billy is a true creative genius.

I'll keep adding more as I think of them!

Links

Here are people I know either through work or play (which for me is often the same thing!)

Fred Sternfeld is one of my oldest friends (that is to say we've been friends for a very long time) and he's also one the most talented people I know. We met at Camp Wise in the early 70's and we started doing theater there. Fred became the Drama Specialist and I was his assistant. Then I became the Drama Specialist. We did some incredible things there - three full scale musical productions per summer, with each one put together in less than 3 weeks. It was a fantastic learning experience and theater lab. We both went on to major in theater in college at Kent State and even roomed together for most of that time. Fred has become the most prominent and respected director of theatrical productions in Northeast Ohio. From one character plays, to small cast comedies and dramas, to huge, elaborate musical extravaganzas, Fred is second to none.

This is me as Lazar Wolf and Tom Fulton as Tevya in Fred's spectacular production of Fiddler on the Roof:

Fred Sternfeld

Charlie and Celia Lewisare good friends of mine and terrific folk musicians. Celia was an original member of The Promised Band until she moved out of the area in around 1999, and we still miss her. She's a multi-instrumentalist - guitar, banjo, harp (actual harp, not harmonica), hammer dulcimer, and more - she's got a beautiful voice, perfect pitch, and knows her music theory. She and her husband have been making beautiful music together for a long time. They live in Athens, Ohio now and once in a while we are lucky to get them up here for a gig. I was immeasurably lucky to get them up to Cleveland while I was recording Metaphor so they could both contribute!

This is me and Celia and Charlie (and some kid looking really unhappy and bored) rehearsing for an upcoming Metaphor session:

Charlie & Celia Lewis

There's a lot of great contemporary Jewish music out there. Here are some terrific music makers:

If you are a Jewish musician and want to be linked here, just drop me a line!

And these are just some cool sites and blogs I like. You might like them, too.

If you don't know about the "Ironic Times" web publication, go there now. It is one of the funniest things out there. You can subscribe (for free) and have it delivered to your emailbox every Monday.