aunaturalice song for friday!

Gavin DeGraw- I Don't Want To Be

Gavin has long been a favorite of mine. Not only because he's so amazingly soulful in his music, but because he's a great person in addition to being a great musician.

Today I chose to play him because I was thinking about his new album and realizing how much I'm looking forward to hearing it when it comes out. Hopefully, that will be before the end of the year, but hard to say knowing that he is still tweaking things in the studio. We'll see. :)

Every time I've had Gavin in the studio, he's always remembered exactly what was in our last conversation. He's incredible that way. He treats everyone with respect, listens to what they have to say and really hears it. A rarity in any individual, let alone someone who is pretty famous.

The strangest thing happened today after I played his tune as my AuNaturAlice choice. I received two emails practically back to back regarding the song. One emailer was horrified at the song, saying it was terrible (which I'll admit, shocked me. I often receive comments on my acoustic tunes, but never one that was so vehemently negative). The other listener is a fan and was thrilled to hear the tune and also related a very cute story about the time she met Gavin in Vegas at the RMAs in 2005. Funny thing. I was actually AT the RMAs too! I got a laugh from that.

I responded to both emails... I try to respond to most inquiries I receive, unless the emailer is just being rude, then why bother? Anyway, it was very interesting to receive two such opposite opinions about music and again I was reminded of how personally people take their music and their choices about what is quality and what is junk. I respect people's opinions completely when it comes to music, but it doesn't mean I won't argue with them occassionally. Haha.

I guess I look at it a bit differently. I can recognize when a song is a quality piece of MUSIC, but know that it's not my taste. In that case... it's good. Just not something I like. Then there is music I believe is just plain horrible, more from an arrangement/lack of talent sense.

Gavin's polished studio album is beautifully crafted and produced, yes. But those who have not heard the stripped versions of the songs or seen Gavin live are missing an essential part of him- the soul that pours out of him while he performs. It really is unique.

Good or bad, I love receiving your comments on music, especially the live tracks. They are all close to my heart, but yes, some closer than others. As I said to the non-Gavin fan, hey, if we all liked the same thing, the world would be a very boring place... but you will never convince me Gavin DeGraw is crappy lounge music. Sorry. We'll have to agree to disagree on this one. :) But keep those emails coming.

Thanks for reading!

xoxo,
Sam