Occasionally I stumble across a singer/songwriter, wordsmith/guitar-slinger who gives me hope for the global talent pool. Not that I have any special skill, not that my listening preferences or musical tastes are any more valuable than yours, or even that much different. I think we all want to hear a captivating melody, well performed, and whether we know it or not, performed in tune. Off-key singing may not instantly assault the senses, but the brain knows, and eventually turns away (hence the use of Antares Auto-Tune software by Britney, her talentless sister, and numerous American Idol contestants). A clever lyric can also add to a song's long term viability, as will a rousing chorus that refuses to leave our ears. I find all this, and an added bonus -- an air of mystery -- in the music of French-Canadian artist Philippe B.

I can't find much, if anything, on the web about this bearded character who sings in French as he plucks chords on his acoustic guitar, but I am gobsmacked by Philippe B's richly soothing baritone voice, his gentle songs, and their fantastic, often ethereal production. Like some lost relative of tunesmiths John Martyn, Eric Anderson, and Nick Drake, Philippe B's songs instantly suck us into their sphere, guitars weaving a lush spiral of sound, B's vocals issuing calm and gentle notes into our harried consciousness.

Philippe B's first release, a self titled affair on Proxenett recordings, shows the hirsute talent dressed in a dapper gray business suit while lounging amid stacks and stacks of old vinyl LPs. A 60s era record player typically used for 45 RPM singles sits to his side, ready for work. By contrast, the artwork for Philippe B's latest, Taxiderme, is absolutely surreal, reflecting his new music's mysterious sensibilities. Some sort of green, earthen matter squashed into a terrarium is depicted on the cover, with a small nameplate with the words "Philippe B Taxiderme" placed at the bottom of the frame. It implies that B's brain has been dyed green and fitted inside this clear shell. The green turf could be his brain, while the ugly little stalks meant to imply trees are actually his hair. Ewww.

Philippe B matches a humorous country and western approach with his typically soaring melodies in the relaxing "L'Harmonie des Sphères," then goes dark and deep with steel guitar, accordion, violin and circular guitar in "Rose de Cactus." Even if you can't understand his French, you'll love his wonder inducing tales.

Check this link for Philippe B's video presence.

Philippe B
"L'Harmonie des sphères" (mp3)
from "Taxidermie"
(Proxenett)

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Philippe B
"Rose de cactus" (mp3)
from "Taxidermie"
(Proxenett)

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Daturah's Reverie: Rammstein light, anyone? This Frankfurt based quintet spin looming instrumental webs that put me in mind of power stations erupting in flames, the earth tumbling on its axis and little baby penguins being eaten alive by mean seals. "Fans of Explosions in the Sky, Mono, Mogwai, et al will not be disappointed."

Daturah
"Ghost Track" (mp3)
from "Reverie"
(Graveface Records)

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Daturah
"Hybrisma" (mp3)
from "Reverie"
(Graveface Records)

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