As Grand Rapids’ ArtPrize kicks into full gear, Local Spins asked the guy who came up with the idea of songs as ArtPrize entries to submit his playlist of current faves, from classic to fresh-out-of-the-box.
The Local Spins Guest Playlist: Michael Crittenden
EDITOR’S NOTE: To coincide with the sixth annual ArtPrize competition in Grand Rapids — which features 86 music entries, busking stations for songwriters and an upcoming WOOD TV8/Talsma Concert Series at Rosa Parks Circle — Local Spins asked some ArtPrize-related organizers and performers to submit their current playlists of favorite songs. Consider it music to ogle art by.
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Michael Crittenden (Photo/Chelsea Taylor Strong)
As the longtime frontman for Grand Rapids folk-rock band Troll for Trout and owner of Mackinaw Harvest Music studios, respected producer and songwriter Michael “Colonel” Crittenden knows a few things about crafting a compelling, catchy tune. Indeed, a couple of years into the mammoth ArtPrize, Crittenden was one of those who spearheaded the move to have songs as entries in the art competition, with St. Cecilia Music Center as the hub for that effort.
So, with ArtPrize well under way, Local Spins asked Crittenden to submit his Top 10 list of tunes as a Guest Playlist, and here they are, along with a Spotify version featuring 9 of the 10 songs below. (And check out St. Cecilia Executive Director Cathy Holbrook’s eclectic Local Spins Guest Playlist, too.)
By the way, those interested in checking out this year’s entries (who are vying for separate $2,000 prizes in five categories), many of them have been uploaded to the artprize.org website here.
Or, head downstairs at St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE, where listening stations are available to check out all of the entries. Songwriters entered in the competition also will be busking around town throughout ArtPrize so get more information about those performances in this Local Spins story, with a full schedule of busking performances online here.
1. “Ashes & Fire,” Ryan Adams – I love the feel of this tune. His delivery is quite Dylanesque, but we don’t mind at all. I also especially love the line about “the cats were all calico,” of course, because I’m the guardian of Ms. Paris Smith (Crittenden’s cat).
2. “You Go To My Head,” Rachael Price – My favorite new torch singer of late, Ms. Price has occasionally broken away from her hit act Lake Street Dive and recorded solo jazz tracks. This is perfect.
3. “Bury Me Standing,” Leni Stern – This is the definition of cool rhythm section feel. The drummer kills me!
4. “Swan Song,” Ari Hest (from his “Sunset over Hope”) – Completely haunting. He’s got some many great tunes. This one keeps coming back to me. AND, he’s in Michigan this week! A must see if you get the chance.
5. “Fun Ride,” Bill Evans – A beautiful composition and exercise in voice-leading. I’ve been a huge fan of BE’s chord voicings for a very long time and continue to strive to play like this. I’ve got a LONG way to go!
6. “Waiting for My Real Life to Begin,” Colin Hay – Such a comforting song on so many levels. Sad…yet hopeful.
7. “The Look of Love,” Diana Krall – I LOVE her version of this Bacharach classic. Super sexy.
8. “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do),” Hall & Oates – I think I loved this when it came out in 1981, but it was certainly not something I was going to admit back then. A really well crafted pop ditty with an infectious groove. I always thought the bass line was pretty similar to that of Billie Jean, and lo and behold, recently heard that Michael Jackson admitted to Daryl Hall that he had been heavily influenced by it for his 1983 smash hit.
9. “Last Request,” Paulo Nutini An older song that keeps showing up in my fall playlists. Very organic and warm sounding instrumentation/engineering, and Paulo’s voice is quite convincing without beating us over the head.
10. “Good Man,” Seth Glier – I met this feller last fall at a songwriter’s retreat and was quite impressed. He gave me a copy of his record and I really locked into this song in particular. Great story-teller, powerful singer/pianist/guitarist and seemingly wiser than his young voice.
MICHAEL CRITTENDEN’S LOCAL SPINS GUEST PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY
Copyright 2014, Spins on Music
