Visual Sound: Issue 26
The Cynz
“Crow Haired Boys”
The Cynz, from East Brunswick, rock righteously on their new vid from Jem Records.
Orbis Max & Lindsey Murray
“Fields”
This duet between Orbis Max and Lindsay Murray of Gretchen's Wheel decries the changing landscape of New Jersey from fields to condominium construction. “The places where people have closely-held memories are disappearing, replaced by more office space,” they say. They point to the redeveloped Monmouth Mall as proof of their chagrin (“our past is being taken down”).
They call it a “sentimental song about development, changing times, and the ghosts of places, something people across the country recognize, but it is really felt here in New Jersey as it seems we're in a cycle of overdevelopment. And with each place lost, so go the memories of the people and times we shared. The last word of the song is this almost-chanted 'home' and I think that's indicative that when you lose relationships and the places associated with them, you feel like you are steadily losing pieces of a home you cannot get back."
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Groovy
“Kno Me”
We featured Groovy’s “Jersey Luv” earlier this year but with the release of the Union County rapper’s “Kno Me,” he certainly is hitting new artistic heights. Previously, he’s leaned on that infectious Jersey Club genre but now goes full-steam R’n’B with the emphasis on steam! Beautifull constructed, soulfully presented, complete with surprise ending, with direction by fellow artist Alejandro, this song aches with unrequited love, the most profound love of all, as it’s been the inspiration for art throughout time. Groovy just dropped his Crying In The Club EP on Defiant Records. Clearly, Groovy is hellbent on maintaining that fine line between hip-hop, classic soul and Jersey Club genres.
Melanie
“Beautiful People”
I still choke up a bit when hearing this song from ‘60s icon Melanie. I fell in love with her when I saw her sing it at the Woodstock festival in 1969 where she added the word “wet” to the title line as we sat there in a light drizzle. We were so close to the stage, I could see her facial expressions. She mentions “buttons” three times in the song. Back then, us hippies wore our opinions on buttons. “Reality Is A Crutch” was one popular button for stoners. “Maker Love Not War” was probably the most-worn button. And when she sings the line that goes “then you’ll never have to be alone ‘cause there’ll be someone with the same button on as you” it brings me back to 1969 when this clip was filmed.