Amelia Curran

There is this quality that runs through Canadian music that I would sum up as being lyrically dense. When you listen to likes of The Weakerthans, or Joni Mitchell or Gord Downie, we don’t shy away from the complicated turns of phrase. When it comes to writing songs that have something to say, Amelia Curran (Six Shooter Records) is well worth the listen. She certainly knows how to use words to craft narratives which punch you in your emotional centre. I’ve heard she’s been likened to the female Leonard Cohen, of which others include: Felicity Buirski, Suzanne Vega, and Fiona Apple. This is not surprising since her song the ‘The Dozens’ sounds much like a pastiche of ‘Dance Me to the End of Love’. But beyond that, her songs are delivered with a smoky sensuality twinged with a world-weary outlook, as though the speaker knows how all relationships end … badly. Her live performances (courtesy of Youtube) are done in a mellow finger-picking style and intimate demeanor worthy of a red velvet lounge. Go and visit Amelia’s site and listen to her music there.

The strings that I put on are D’Addario Chromes High Finish Ribbon Wound Electric Guitar Strings. That’s quite the mouthful. I’m impressed with the sound. Though they aren’t as bright as my usual strings they do offer a warm, clean tone devoid of finger squeaks. Admittedly the lack of ridges is somewhat odd to get used to. After 18 years of playing with strings that have some grip I need to adjust to how my fingers now glide around. In a way it’s better for noodling around the blues scales. I can move my fingers into position faster and more smoothly. My hand just slips around on the fretboard throwing in grace notes and glissandos where ever I please.

The extra cost has always stopped me from buying ribbon wound strings, but now I may reconsider my purchasing decisions. Maybe I’ll pick up string cleaner in order to make them last longer. If you’ve never tried flat wound strings before I suggest you don’t wait 18 years like I did. The way they alter your sound and playing is worth the few extra dollars to investigate.

Get some strings…

I was about to give up on the thought of a software metronome altogether when I got weird. Not only is it free, but it is much more usable and flexible that any other program I tried. With the ability to use nearly fifty sounds it’s like having a mini drumkit. I just pick out some of the many samples and go to town. If I’m just doing finger exercises then I use it straight up. But the real beauty of this is its ability to do arbitrary time signatures, a feature you don’t really find elsewhere. If you want to get the hang of playing in 5/4 then do yourself a favour and download this.

http://www.pinkandaint.com/weirdmet.shtml