Ride an Emotional Wave with Noam Weinstein
aplscruf
Posted On February 4, 2016
Noam Weinstein‘s latest album, On Waves is set to release February 29. It was written during one of life’s cycles, a tumultous period between Noam’s mother’s death and the birth of his son. Per Noam, “I wouldn’t know how to do justice to my mom in one song or a thousand. But I knew that in the last months of her life, more than ever, I needed to write, and I needed to sing.” The album explores an ocean of emotions in fifteen songs, ranging from joy, desire, grief, trauma, anticipation, gratitude, love, peace, and the waves of feeling in between.
On Waves was recorded in Catskill, NY, at Old Soul Studios by Kenny Siegal (Langhorne Slim, The Sideshow Tragedy). Noam also recruited “an all-star band” of musicians to fill out the songs in style, including a horn section, pedal steel, strings, and background vocals. A prime example of the retro vibe that flows through the whole album is in the second song, “Mother”, a surprisingly sweet and poppy 60’s-style tribute.
Circle back to life’s little blessings and waltz along with “He Will Be”. Listen closely for his unborn baby’s heartbeat on an ultrasound, which was worked into the song. Such a familiar, life-changing sound to those who have experienced the anticipation of a new child and listening to that quick, steady beat for the first time.
Although so many of the songs have a heartfelt ache to them, the album is not lacking in humor. Take “Intelligent Design” with the best pickup line of 2016: “From your brain to your behind / almost makes me believe in intelligent design”. Another seductive yet hilarious tune “Hey Girl” paints a picture of a horny man checking out a hot girl, until you realize she’s actually hot from cooking over a stove–while he’s cleaning the house, wishing for some mommy-and-daddy alone time. “Hey girl, whatcha doin’/after we put the kids to bed…” It’s so catchy and relatable, one can only hope they find 20 minutes together before they both drop from exhaustion.
Some songs have stripped down accompaniment, such as “The Nightmare of Life Is a Dream” and “I Do”, both with just vocals and simple keys, allowing the emotion behind the words to stand alone.
“It Comes In Waves” the beautiful final song, concludes with a touching voicemail from his mother, thanking him for a gift. Her words are the last we hear on the album.
Boston-born Noam Weinstein has released eight studio albums and collaborated with many artists. His song, “I Can Hurt People” was featured in Showtime’s Weeds.
Check Noam’s website for Release Party Info and join him in New York Friday, February 26th at 9PM, Rockwood Music Hall or in Boston / Somerville Sunday, February 28th, 8PM at Johnny D’s: http://enoam.com/
Like Noam on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NSongs?_rdr=p
Pre-order On Waves on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/on-waves/id1075841362
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Molina
