this guy is just one of those guys. he gets into your head, and makes you sad but happy for no reason whatsoever. he makes you want to listen to him on repeat - 18 times in an hour kinda thing.
gregory alan isakov from south africa, who now resides in colorado - what do i have that you want? there can't possibly be another reason for you to write music so compelling... you're a dreamy songwriter, a iron and wine-esque singer, and one hell of a guitarist. i love what you do, and you do it well. i could use the term soulful - and it would be accurate - but it seems far too cliche and standardized for what you create. more like the music that would be playing, if i were travelling through a vintage shop filled with memories of summer days and cold nights by the fire. tones of off white and taupe, and tired eyes, but loving hearts. old faded photographs with yellowed faces, alongside cracked pieces of well used furniture and beautiful crystals all telling stories of the homes they grew up in. THAT'S what your music sounds like. like laughing, crying and loving, all at the same time.
ya hear that gregory? you make me act/feel like a 13 year old girl with her first bout of PMS. moody, lovey emotional, and like crying at the drop of a hat. and really excitable too.
(gross. what a horrendous comparison. however, in true jamie style, i'm not going to delete - i'm going to let that one ride)
(gross. what a horrendous comparison. however, in true jamie style, i'm not going to delete - i'm going to let that one ride)
when i found out he toured with fiona apple - uh, i know, right? - i was spellbound. this guy is the real deal. and i need to see him. live. or else my life won't be complete. but for now - until his new album comes out in late 2012, or early 2013 - i'll have to be happy ogling his lyrical genius on the interweb. but listen here gregory - you owe me big for sticking around.
one of my fave songs by gregory - if i'm goin, from the album 'this empty northern hemisphere'... the album has most of my fave songs by him, including idaho... and it's a dime.
this house | she’s holding secrets | i got my change behind the bed | in a coffee can | i throw my nickels in | just in case i have to leave | and i will go if you ask me to | i will stay if you dare | and if i go i’m goin shameless | i’ll let my hunger take me there | this house | she’s quite the talker | she creeks and moans | she keeps me up | and the photographs | know i’m a liar | they just laugh as i burn her down | and i will go if you ask me to | i will stay if you dare | and if i go i’m goin on fire | let my anger take me there | the shingles man they’re shaking | the back door’s burning through | this house she’s quite the keeper | quite the keeper of you | i will go if you ask me to | i will stay if you dare | and if i go, i’m goin crazy | i’ll let my darlin take me there
he's playing with brandi carlile and ingrid michaelson in colorado in july. how much do you think i want to be there (hint: more than anything in the world).AND. just because i can't help myself.... here are a few of my faves by him....
and once more for good measure.
photos from kristine ridley