CHRIS WALKER VS. MY BRIGHTEST DIAMOND: TEN SONGS

My Brightest Diamond is one of my favorite modern artists. This is not new news. Shara Worden was gracious enough to take time out of her busy schedule (she tours nonstop, basically) and compile her top ten songs for this series. As you might imagine from a classical trained opera singer, her picks include some of the best vocalists of the last century. I think it’s a great list and unlike yesterday’s everyone will have heard of at least one artist, presumably. (For the record: I still love Pioulard’s list)

Written by Shara Worden (of My Brightest Diamond)

01. Henry Purcell: Dido's Lament
In the opera, Dido, Queen of Carthage, has fallen in love with and married Aeneas, the Trojan prince who is tricked into believing the gods are calling him away on a mission to build a new Troy. Dido believes Aeneas has abandoned her and is near perishing from lovesickness when she sings this lament. Purcell brilliantly constructs the aria as a passacalgia. It is ultimately tragic in beauty and sure to send shivers down your spine.

02. Prince: Sometimes It Snows In April
This is a rare and deeply resonating expression of the impact of death. It is utterly heartbreaking and solemn, graceful and loving.

03. Jeff Buckley: Mojo Pin
The form of this song is unusually word driven, with the voice bridging the gaps of each section, lilting in love, pain and longing.

04. Nina Simone: Wild is the Wind
Nina completely suspends time and space with her version of this song. I am always transfixed by it.

05. Billy Holiday: Strange Fruit
A photograph of American history. Billy's version of this expresses the brokenness of the horrific subject matter.

06. Antonio Carlos Jobim and Frank Sinatra: Quiet Nights for Quiet Stars (Corcovado)
The dreamiest tune ever. Have a glass of wine, sit on the balcony terrace and feel the breeze blow.

07. Tom Waits: Flower's Grave
This album combines beautiful arrangements with some of my favorite Waits' songwriting.

08. Peter Gabriel: Signal to Noise
Peter Gabriel is so adept at combining huge orchestrations of percussion and strings with beautiful vocal lines. Trading vocal phrases is Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan exploding in these amazing gushes. This song in particular I can listen to on repeat for days.

09. Michael Jackson: Wanna Be Startin' Something
Just ‘cause you have to love it.

10. Heatwave: Always and Forever
Slow dance. Senior prom.

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