“Tod Benjamin: The Emotive and Honest Voice of Americana Music”

Tod Benjamin is an American singer-songwriter, best known for his emotive and deeply personal music. Born and raised in Kentucky, Tod began playing music at a young age and has since established himself as a respected and influential artist in the Americana genre. His music often explores themes of mental health, addiction, and the human condition, drawing on his own struggles with bipolar disorder and addiction to create powerful and moving songs.

In today’s world, where mental health is an increasingly important topic, it is refreshing to see musicians such as Benjamin Tod using their platform to bring attention to these issues. Tod’s recent song, which he dedicates to the memory of Luke Bell, is a powerful and moving tribute that tackles themes of mental health, addiction, and nihilism.

Judging the quality of a song, but it is clear that this track has resonated with many listeners. The lyrics are deeply personal and reveal Tod’s struggles with bipolar disorder and addiction, as well as his ongoing battle with self-doubt and anxiety.

What is particularly noteworthy about Tod’s message is that it is not just relevant to those who struggle with mental health issues. He also highlights the broader societal issues that we all face, including the battle between good and evil and the challenge of maintaining a sense of righteousness in an increasingly complex world.

It is heartening to see artists such as Benjamin Tod using their creativity to address important issues such as mental health, addiction, and nihilism. These are topics that have historically been taboo, but are now increasingly being brought to the forefront of public discourse. By shining a light on these issues, Tod is helping to break down the stigma that surrounds mental health and encouraging more people to speak openly about their struggles.

I believe that Tod’s work deserves recognition for the important message it conveys. It is an example of how music can be a powerful tool for social change, and how artists can use their platform to raise awareness and inspire action.

In conclusion, Benjamin Tod’s recent song is a powerful tribute to the memory of Luke Bell, and a testament to the power of music to address important social issues. By using his platform to raise awareness of mental health, addiction, and nihilism, Tod is helping to break down barriers and encourage more open dialogue on these important topics. It is my hope that more musicians will follow in his footsteps and use their art to effect positive change in the world.

“This song in a lot of ways is about my never ending struggle with bipolar disorder and addiction. It also encompasses a battle with delusions everyone seems to live with. In that I believe it is relatable to most people who have self doubt, anxiety, depression and manic tendencies.

In the back of my mind there is always that underlying question of whether this life is worth it. There is always an unsureness of whether we are winning the war as a human race. Our better angels seem to believe that we are and that good can prevail through the suffering and turmoil. Our demons insist that the battle is already lost and that the determination of evil historically will prevail.

Nihilism is a dangerous drug and it consumes many corners of our society. It is ungrateful, resentful and it is always the easier path. Righteousness is nuanced, appreciative and requires real wisdom in order to balance the axis of justice and mercy. Righteousness requires a ton of work and often a little bit of luck to prevail.

Sometimes fate plays its hand and we lose even with the best of intentions. Sometimes there are no answers or solutions for the tragedy of life. I have for most of my time here allowed that darkness to devour me and it almost won. I am very fortunate to be here and I don’t take that responsibility lightly.

We must stand and fight. We must, begrudgingly at times, believe in an ideal vision for humanity. This life may be sad, but it is always beautiful.

-Benjamin Tod

I dedicate this song to the memory of Luke Bell.”

Here are a few songs by Tod Benjamin that showcase his emotive and honest voice in the Americana genre:

“Using Again”
“I Will Do the Breathing”


“Taking It as It Comes”
“The Last Thing We Do”
“Still On Fire”


“Old Wounds”
“Wild Rose”
“Long Gone”
“Keep Coming Back”
“The Mountain”
These songs touch on themes of addiction, mental health, and the complexities of the human experience, all of which are common themes in Tod Benjamin’s music.

Remember, life is full of challenges and struggles. We all have our own battles to fight, whether they are internal or external. But we must never lose hope or give up on ourselves. We must believe in our own strength and resilience, and have faith that we can overcome even the toughest of obstacles. Tod Benjamin’s music reminds us that it’s okay to feel vulnerable and to embrace our emotions. It’s through this honesty that we find healing and the courage to keep going. So keep fighting, keep pushing forward, and never give up on yourself. You are stronger than you know.

Regards,

BossesMadeMen

Other artists with unique voices and approach to Americana music, but share a commitment to honest and emotive storytelling.

Amos Lee

  • Jason Isbell
  • John Moreland
  • Tyler Childers
  • Colter Wall
  • Gillian Welch
  • Lucinda Williams
  • Justin Townes Earle
  1. Brandi Carlile
  • Hayes Carll

All of these artists have a unique voice and approach to Americana music, but share a commitment to honest and emotive storytelling.

Remembering the Legends,- Music Therapy Time 2022, Steel Pulse

Steel Pulse are a roots reggae band from the Handsworth area of Birmingham, England. They originally formed at Handsworth Wood Boys School, and were composed of David Hinds (lead vocals, guitar), Basil Gabbidon (lead guitar, vocals), and Ronald McQueen (bass); along with Basil’s brother Colin briefly on drums and Mykaell Riley (vocals, percussion). Steel Pulse were the first non-Jamaican act to win the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album.

Island Records era (1977–1980)

Island Records era (1977–1980)
Their first release for Island was the “Ku Klux Klan” single, a tilt at the evils of racism, and one often accompanied by a visual parody of the sect on stage. By this time their ranks had swelled to include Selwyn Brown (keyboards), Steve “Grizzly” Nisbett (drums), Alphonso Martin (vocals, percussion) and Mykaell Riley (vocals). Their debut album, Handsworth Revolution (recorded in 1977 and released in early 1978), was part the evolution of roots reggae outside Jamaica. However, despite critical and moderate commercial success over three albums, the relationship with Island Records had soured by the advent of their third album, Caught You (released in the US as Reggae Fever).

The band made their US concert debut at the Mudd Club in New York in 1980.

Tom Terrell, who would later serve as their manager, was instrumental in masterminding a Steel Pulse concert on the night of Bob Marley’s funeral, which was broadcast live around the world from the 9:30 Club, 930 F Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., on 21 May 1981.

True Democracy (1982)
Earth Crisis (1984)


State of Emergency (1988)
Victims (1991)
Vex (1994)
Rage and Fury (1997)
African Holocaust (2004)
Mass Manipulation (2019)[14][11] Grammy Award Nominee – Best Reggae Album
Live albums
Rastafari Centennial – Live in Paris (Elysee Montmartre) (1992)
Living Legacy (1998)
Compilation albums
Reggae Greats (1984)
Smash Hits (1993)
Rastanthology (1996)


Ultimate Collection (2000)
20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: The Best of Steel Pulse (2004)
Rastanthology II: The Sequel (2006)
Love This Reggae Music: 1975–2015 (2016)
Compilation appearances
Short Circuit: Live at the Electric Circus (1977) (one track – Makka Splaff)
Hope & Anchor Front Row Festival (1978) (one track – Sound Check)
Urgh! A Music War (1981)
Filmography
Live from the Archives (1992)
Introspective (2005)
Singles
“Kibudu Mansatta Abuku” (1976)
“Nyah Luv” (1977)
“Ku Klux Klan” (1978)
“Prodigal Son” (1978)
“Prediction” (1978)
“Sound System” (1979)
“Reggae Fever” (1980)
“Don’t Give In” (1980)
“Ravers” (1982)
“Your House” (1982)
“Steppin’ Out” (1984)
“Reaching Out” (1988)


“Taxi Driver” (1993)
“Bootstraps” (1994)
“Brown Eyed Girl” (1996)
“Global Warning” (2004)
“No More Weapons” (2004)
“Door of No Return” (2007)
“Put Your Hoodies On [4 Trayvon]” (2014)
“Stop You Coming and Come” (2018)

In a 2013 interview with Midnight Raver, David Hinds indicated that a new studio album and documentary, tentatively titled Steel Pulse: The Definitive Story, would be released in 2014.[8] However, on 10 July 2014 Midnight Raver reported that, according to Hinds, both the studio album and documentary will be delayed until at least 2015.

In anticipation of a new Steel Pulse album, the Roots Reggae Library has indexed two compilation albums of the latest Steel Pulse singles. The albums are called Positivity and Jah Way, both named after tracks on the albums.

In October 2018, Steel Pulse announced their new album, the first in 14 years, Mass Manipulation, was released on Rootfire Cooperative a non-traditional label that provides interest-free loans and label services to independent musicians. The single “Stop You Coming and Come” was released on 7 December. The album was nominated for the 2020 Grammy Awards.

Awards and nominations
A Grammy award was awarded for their 1986 album Babylon the Bandit. Steel Pulse has received nominations for Victims (1991), Rastafari Centennial (1992), Rage and Fury (1998), and Living Legacy (2000). and Mass Manipulation (2019).

Music Therapy, remembering the greats, one-hit wonders, underdogs, and underground artists.

S’Ence – One Night (Radio Mix) SSM Records (2) ‎– SSMD 102 Format: Vinyl, 12″ Country: UK Released: Genre: Funk / Soul Style: Soul, UK Street Soul

Uk based £10.00 GBP BUY NOW

David Hallyday Move No Lp Maxi 45T Vinyle Ex Cover Ex Original 1988
EUR 29,00 Buy It Now, FREE Shipping, 30-Day Returns, Garantie client eBay
Seller: Top-Rated Seller imediaprod (1.213) 100%, Location: Rousset, FR, Ships to: AMERICAS, EUROPE, ASIA, Item: 203677005460
DAVID HALLYDAY MOVE NO LP MAXI 45T VINYLE EX COVER EX ORIGINAL 1988. A Move (Dance Mix) 6:55. B1 Move (Single Mix) 3:52. Format: Vinyle, 12″, 45 RPM. Sortie: 1988. Style: Power Pop. Condition: Occasion, Condition: Disque et pochette en EX état., Vitesse: 33 tours, Artiste: David Hallyday, Genre: Rock, Compilation: Oui, Sous-genre: Pop rock, Format: 30 cm, Type: LP, EAN: 042287028711

David Hallyday Move Buy Now

(1980) – Rec. in Frankfurt-Walldorf.
Clarinet, Arranged By [Orchestra], Conductor – Heinz Schönberger
Bass – Eberhard Leibling
Drums – Kurt Bong
Guitar – Horst Althoff, Werner Vetterer
Keyboards – Louis Freichel
Saxophone – Dominique Chanson, Harry Petersen, John Oslawski, Manfred Lindner, Wilson De Oliveira
Trombone – Gerhard Heller, Helmut Henne, Peter Grützner, Richard Bergmann, Torolf Kristensen
Trumpet – Alex Malempré, Conny Jackel*, Dieter Grünewald, Lutz Kraft
Engineer [Recording] – Torsten Wintermeier, Producer – Michael Wilke

Main Stream Power Band / Heinz Schönberger – Holiday For Swing – Buy Now

Brotherhood Of Man – Higher Than High
Label: Pye Records – N 105
Format:
Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1979
Genre: Pop
Style: Disco

Brotherhood Of Man – Higher Than High BUY NOW

IN TUA NUA Take My Hand (Scarce 1984 UK 3-track 12″, A-side is co-written with Sinead O’Connor! Also includes Coming Thru and Fire In My Heart, housed in a gatefold picture sleeve and also includes a 3-page press release. The sleeve has some minor storeage marks but the vinyl is superb 12IS211)

TRACKLISTING AND EXTRA INFORMATION

  1. Take My Hand
  2. Coming Thru’
  3. Fire In My Heart
    Artist – In Tua Nua (click link for complete listing)
    Title – Take My Hand (click link for more of the same title)
    Year of Release – 1984
    Format – 12″ vinyl single (12 inch record / Maxi-single)
    Record Label – Island

In Tua Nua Take My Hand UK 12″ vinyl BUY NOW

Barbra Streisand Till I Loved You UK LP Vinyl Record Album 1988 4629431 CBS EX

Barbra Streisand Till I Loved You Buy Now

(1982 UK 20-track promotional vinyl compilation LP including Stardust, The More I See You, Autumn Leaves, Love Is A Many Splendored Thing and more. With plain red labels and housed in a wraparound card proof picture sleeve EMTV35).

Buy now – Nat King Greatest love songs

Funny Girl (The Original Sound Track Recording) – Dizonorddizonord.fr › release › Jule-Styne-Barbra-Streisand-Omar-…4:23 Jule Styne / Barbra Streisand / Omar Sharif – Funny Girl (The Original Sound Track Recording) | CBS (14-70044) – Dizonord –

Funny Girl (The Original Sound Track Recording)

Ella Fitzgerald(Vinyl LP)Golden Greats-MCA-MCM5009-UK-1985-Ex/NM

Ella Jane Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917 – June 15, 1996) was an American jazz singer, sometimes referred to as the “First Lady of Song”, “Queen of Jazz”, …
Years active: 1929–1995
Genres: Jazz; ‎swing‎; ‎bebop‎; ‎traditional pop‎; ‎bl…‎
Instruments: Vocals
Labels: Decca; ‎Verve‎; ‎Capitol‎; ‎Reprise‎; ‎Pablo‎

BUY NOW – ELLA FITZGERALD

BARRY MANILOW manilow magic: the best of barry manilow, ARTV 2

BARRY MANILOW manilow magic – BUY NOW

Jerry Harris – Devotion , Influence and motivation – Bio & Quote

They say it wont for us again but they gonna wonder how it worked

Born Allan Harris in Portland, Jamaica, Jerry has since the age of 14 devoted his life to music. He was influenced by the life and playing style of his father who was a professional jazz and calypso musician on the hotel circuit in Jamaica.

The name Jerry was given to him by musican friends. They felt that Allan had a similar style to guitarist “Jah Jerry” of the Skatalites fame. His first regular gig as a guitarist/backing vocalist came in 1972 when he played with The Young.

Confusion, Accusation & Disaster its spreading all over the world!

His first regular gig as a guitarist/backing vocalist came in 1972 when he played with The Young Experience Band for 4 nights a week at Port Antonio Hotel and night club. From there, the band spent the next two years performing live concerts with artist such as U-Roy, Toots & The Maytals, and the Heptones.U-Roy Also in the band was Jerry’s friend, Junior Murvin who would later become famous for the classic “Police And Thieves.”

With this experience firmly under his belt, Jerry wanted to further his musical talents by performing solo with his own compositions. His first album I’m For You was released by Wackies Records. He continued to write, play, and arrange his own music which eventually lead him to produce the classic Spreading All Over album in 1987. Then came Rock This Session in 1990, Smile And Be Happy in 1991, all of which were released by Alpha Enterprise based in Japan.

I’m So Glad [lp_record] Jerry Harris

BUY ON AMAZON NOW

I’m So Glad

The Spinners – Legendary performances – Artist uk

The Spinners (UK band)

The Spinners were a folk group from Liverpool, England, that formed in September 1958. They variously had four albums in the UK Albums Chart between September 1970 and April 1972. One of them, Spinners Live Performance (1971), spent three months in the listing and peaked at No. 14.

THE SPINNERS-BLACK AND WHITE-LIVE 1988

The Spinners – Drunken Sailor

The Spinners – Gungu Walk

The Spinners – A Long Time Ago – from Stop, Look, Listen vinyl LP

The Spinners – Liverpool Judies

The Spinners (American R&B group) – Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Spinn

Time for more music therapy from the legends – Boogie Down with these hits

Aretha Franklin Ft. Lauryn Hill – A Rose Is Still A Rose

MC Hammer – 2 Legit 2 Quit (Official Video)
Stephanie Mills – (You’re Puttin’) A Rush On Me [Official Video]
Charlie Rich – Nothing in the World (To Do With Me)

Sybil ‘My Love is Guaranteed’ (Fly Robin Fly Mix)

Zushii – Say Goodnight

Joey Negro – Remixed With Love Vol. 3

Heatwave – Boogie Nights – written by Rod Temperton

“Touch Me in the Morning” Diana Ross

Charles Aznavour – What Makes A Man A Man

The Numerical Value – Dub Atmosphere

Victory Medley: V for Victory/ Lillibulero/ Yankee Doodle/ Britannia, the Pride of the Ocean

JOLO ”SOUL” (CLUB MIX) (1986)

My Jealous God – Pray (1990) HQ