Days burn up like weed and we're still the same

As the Hong Kong chapter of my life comes to a close, I've been thinking about the past a lot, especially the happier times in my life, (not that I'm unhappy). Emm Gryner was often the soundtrack to my late teens and early 20's when I spent most of my free time weaving through Ontario towns, duping cross-border guards and "secret circles." This reminiscing got me listening to my favourite of Emm songs again.

I guess you could consider this blog an introduction to Emm Gryner if you're unfamiliar with her. She has been known as a David Bowie backup vocalist; a coverer of other people's songs; Cardigans touring band member; and other random things. But I know and like Emm most for her own work. She's a talented singer-songwriter who writes interesting metaphors, powerful pop hooks and piano-driven ballads.

Here are some of my recommendations. But first, remember mp3s are only up for about a week. If you like the music, support the artist — especially independent ones like Emm — by purchasing their albums. You can find Emm's music available at Maple Music.

Now, on to the music...

mp3: Emm Gryner - "Serenade"
When I spoke of the soundtrack, I specifically meant Emm's 1999 release, Science Fair. The disc was recorded on an 8-track in her bedroom and its with this simplicity that Emm's gift for song-writing comes through at its most sincere. The rawness of the album it comes through best on this track which remains one of my all-time favourite songs.

mp3: Emm Gryner - "89 Days of Alcatraz"
From her major-label record, Public, this song is the antithesis to "Serenade," at least production-wise. "89 Days" is heavily produced with all sort of manipulated sounds, bass, drums, Wurlitzer, etc. proving that production is not a bad thing. It's a favourite live song of mine because it's so easy to bop along with. 

mp3: Emm Gryner - "Parting Song" (live at CMW 2000)
I'm a sucker for songs about love lost. Emm recorded "Parting Song" for Dead Relatives but I prefer this version from her 2000 Canadian Music Week performance at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto. I like the background manipulation sounds (by Kevin Fox?) which aren't present in her Dead Relatives recording. I've heard that she may re-record this song for a future album, but as far as I know it hasn't happened yet.

mp3: Emm Gryner - "Idaho"
A special b-side from a limited edition CD Emm sent to fans in 2000 (ish). It's my favourite piano ballad of hers.

Comments

[chris]

em is fricken awesome. you heard that bono considers her one of his favourite acts of the past 20 years right? it was in Q magazine . . . "idaho" is my fav.

[Andrea]

Yes, I saw that! Bono named Emm's "Almighty Love" as one of the songs he wished he had written in the last 20 years.

You cand download "Almighty Love" and read an exclusive Q&A with Emm here.

[nik]

no idea she was in the cardigans!!!

[Andrea]

She wasn't an official member of the Cardigans but she toured with them as a keyboardist.