My Secret Playlist with BenLee

Wed 24th Dec, 2008 in Features

Sydney singer-songwriter Ben Lee recently contributed some posts to Lost At E Minor on some of his favourite cultural things. His last album, 2007’s Ripe, is a great listen – full of upbeat, rocking songs.

His next album, The Rebirth Of Venus, will be released in February 2009 and has been described by Lee as “uplifting, joyful, beautifully chaotic, confused, passionate and real.”

Noah and the Whale – Five Years Time
It’s a current fave. Everyone I know has this track on repeat right now. It feels like summer.

Bob Dylan – Mama You’ve Been On My Mind
The original demo Dylan did of this is available on the bootleg collection. This is one of my favourite Dylan songs. It’s about those moments when there is nothing else to say except ‘I’ve been thinking about you’. Moments of truth.

LISTEN

Narbalek – Bininj Wurdyaw
Narbalek are an Aboriginal rock band from Australia. This song is stunning. It’s about humid outback afternoons, when there is a thunderstorm and kids all start dancing in the rain.

Tom Jobim and Elis Regina – Aguas de Marco
The sexiest recording ever made. The sounds of playful lovemaking. I dare you not be in the mood after hearing this.

Stevie Nicks – Wild Heart (demo version)
Check this out on YouTube below. Stevie Nicks backstage sharing the demo of her new song with her backup singers and make up artist. The final argument for why demos should not be messed with.

Hunters & Collectors – Throw Your Arms Around Me
An Australian anthem and a song that makes grown men weep and hold each other like schoolgirls.

Narayani Amma – Om Namo Narayani
A recording of the chant ‘om namo narayani’ that I listen to every day. It is a Hindu chant that loosely translates to “I surrender myself to nature.” Powerful stuff.

For more Secret Playlists from your favourite bands, visit www.mysecretplaylist.com

Words by Ben Lee and Zolton Zavos