“What Matters Most”
by Vince Melamed
Vince Melamed is known more for his songs than his name or singing voice. And his songs are usually better known as being someone else’s songs. Melamed is a songwriter and a sideman. His songs include Trisha Yearwood’s “Walkaway Joe,” John Anderson’s “Hillbilly Hollywood,” Boy Howdy’s “She’d Give Anything,” Restless Heart’s “Tell Me What You Dream,” Ty Herndon’s “What Mattered Most,” Phil Vassar’s “I’ll Take That As A Yes.” Now, just remember that all of those songs are really from the mind and pen of Vince Melamed. On the CD, “What Matters Most,” Melamed finally gets to perform his own songs. There’s a rock sensibility to many of Melamed’s lyrics that get a country flavor from a fiddle and guitar twang. He even sees himself as a rock & roll guy having come to Nashville from Los Angeles back in the ’80s because he heard Music City was the town for songwriters. Melamed has a songwriter’s voice, meaning he isn’t the greatest singer in the world. Like many songwriters though, his lyrics serve his voice. This album, which is the flagship release of the new Adroit Records label, works and that’s what matters most.
“Songs Up In Her Head”
by Sarah Jarosz
Given the sweet photo of 17-year-old Sarah Jarosz on the back of her CD, “Song Up In Her Head,” a listener may never expect a haunting masterpiece such as “Shankill Butchers.” She pits her beautiful voice against this great chorus: “Cause everybody knows / If you don’t mind your mother’s words / A wicked wind will blow / Your ribbons from your curls / Everybody moan, everybody shake / The Shankill Butchers want to catch you awake.” This song has a bluegrass tinge like the other songs on this album, but adds a chilling “Sgt. Pepper”-esque calliope. Yet, it is Jarosz’s voice that lingers across the arrangement of this haunting song. Meanwhile, her voice is as sweet on other songs as that aforementioned photograph. Yet, it is as soulful and wise as the voice of a much older singer. Luckily, Sarah Jarosz didn’t leave the songs up in her head. She lets them spill out to share with anyone who cares to listen.
Local News
Music Reviews
- Local News
-
-
Lake Park: Council members resign
Immediately following the Citizens to be Heard portion of the regular Lake Park council meeting Tuesday night, council members Eric Schindler and Paul Mulkey tendered their resignations.
-
Valwood goes global
Valwood School has hosted several international guests for the past several weeks.
-
City cuts ribbon on new home
With a snip of some over-sized wooden scissors, the City of Valdosta took another step in eliminating substandard housing.
-
Berrien clinic director loses job
Speaking to The Valdosta Daily Times about the possible discontinuation of the Berrien Elementary School MED Clinic led to the program’s executive director losing her job Monday morning.
-
From the CIA to man about town
Meet Jack Pruden, former member of the Central Intelligence Agency.
-
Berrien school medical facility faces an uncertain future
A state-of-the-art medical facility that was introduced in Berrien County public schools in 2010 might be ending soon.
-
New TV listings section debuts in print edition
In Sunday editions of The Valdosta Daily Times, keep an eye out for the updated TV listings section.
-
Man shot in Valdosta; police car, ambulance collide
Response to a shooting Saturday afternoon led to a collision between a police vehicle and an ambulance.
-
Annual Father-Daughter Dance enters 16th year
Three-week-old Emmaline Taylor lay contentedly on dad Trey Taylor’s shoulder Friday night, completely oblivious to the sights and sounds of the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance.
Now in its 16th year, the popular annual event is sponsored by Valdosta’s First Presbyterian Church and held at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center.
“We’ve been looking forward to this,” Trey Taylor said. “When we first got pregnant, (my wife Sheya and I) looked to see if she would be here in time for the Father-Daughter Dance.” -
VPD offers online citation payment
The Valdosta Police Department has implemented a new online service to assist traffic violators.
- More Local News Headlines
-
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
