Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam channels the simple beauty of an ukulele in Ukulele Songs, using its limitations to his advantage and creating beautiful ballads of devotion and surrender.
Light Today is an approachable collection, filled with relaxed yet intimate tracks such as “Satellite” and ‘Light Today”. Yet it reveals more openly, honestly and sweetly than most of Vedder’s output.
Can’t Help Falling in Love
Eddie Vedder made history when he recorded his solo ukulele album Ukulele Songs for the first time since Pearl Jam formed in the ’90s, becoming one of the few artists ever to do so. However, this stripped-back approach doesn’t diminish Vedder’s emotive power or reveal his intimate side – rather it brings out warmth that many may not expect from an advocate of such stringed instruments such as himself.
Vedder recently noted during a phone conversation that the ukulele is an “activist instrument,” meaning it has the power to bring strangers together in ways no other instrument can. This message resonates throughout Vedder’s record which was composed in a small hotel room and recorded at studios in Seattle and Oahu; additionally, several cover versions, such as British reggae band UB40’s iconic version “Can’t Help Falling in Love” can also be heard here.
Ukulele Songs is the ideal album to add some zest to summer campfires and is sure to appeal to a broad spectrum of music fans. Easy for both beginners and casual listeners to pick up and play along with, Ukulele Songs makes an excellent accompaniment for beach trips or relaxing days at home.
Vedder plays a tenor ukulele on record, which features a deeper sound than its more widely played soprano counterpart. Tenor ukuleles tend to be popular among fingerpickers and those looking to perform specific strumming styles; Vedder’s instrument comes from Mya-Moe, an instrument maker that specializes in these kinds of instruments.
Vedder employs more than just his ukulele on this album; other musicians provide support. Cellist Chris Worswick brings an elegant counterpoint to “Longing to Belong,” while Cat Power’s Chan Marshall helps on classic 1920s tune “Tonight You Belong to Me.”
Ukulele Songs is the ideal showcase of Vedder’s vocal talent and ukulele playing skills, offering intimate tracks that showcase him at his most comfortable. While not as outwardly emotional or dramatic as his other work, Ukulele Songs still manages to deliver emotion-laden tales with plenty of storytelling potential.
Sunday Morning
Eddie Vedder stands out among acclaimed rock musicians with his ability to make melody matter. On Ukulele Songs, Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder focuses on that most fundamental of instruments – the ukulele – and uses its modest scale as a vehicle for conveying some of his deepest emotions recorded to date. Vedder’s trademark baritone growl that defined much of millennial American rock evolves here into both an intimate lullaby singer’s murmur and romancer’s croon.
Vedder used this opportunity to compose new songs as well as cover versions for this album, starting off as a joke but quickly turning into something serious. He likens the experience to painting with only one color; each time he plays more is revealed about its subtleties.
Vedder hopes that his album will encourage listeners to take a break from computers and television screens to pick up a ukulele for themselves – it is easier than most people realize and anyone can pick it up and start playing within minutes! He describes playing music together as being an ideal way of spending quality time together with loved ones.
Ukulele Songs was Eddie Vedder’s second full-length solo album released on May 31, 2011; produced by longtime Pearl Jam associate Adam Kasper and featuring vocal contributions from Vedder’s wife Jill McCormack, it features both original tracks and cover versions written specifically for the ukulele that Vedder learned to play while on vacation in Hawaii.
Vedder is well known for his charitable and activist activities as well as musical talent. He has made appearances in a number of documentaries such as 2007 Tom Petty documentary Runnin’ Down a Dream and 2009 Howard Zinn film The People Speak; additionally, he has made acting appearances such as IFC TV show Portlandia.
Wonderwall
Eddie Vedder uses the ukulele as his musical canvas on his second solo album, one which includes original compositions written and performed live as well as classic standards. A recast version of “Can’t Keep,” originally from Pearl Jam’s 2002 Riot Act album Riot Act, and “Sleepless Nights” lead off this record; subsequent songs feature charming orbits such as “Satellite” and hopeful bright notes like “Light Today”, while newly written tracks add depth.
Glen Hansard (The Frames, Once) and Cat Power (Tonight You Belong to Me) bring their distinctive voices to two tracks on Ukulele Songs, adding their folky charm. As usual, Vedder proves how perfectly the ukulele fits his expressive nature – whether he’s unleashing Who-style riffs on “Hey Fahkah” or singing classic hits like “Tonight You Belong to Me”. Ukulele Songs is delightfully fleeting.
Noel Gallagher’s High Hopes
The ukulele is one of the most beloved instruments used by singer-songwriters today, due to its versatility and easy learning curve. This makes it ideal for beginners just starting out in music – there are countless ukulele songs available online to get you acquainted with this instrument and its many styles; each will give off its own distinctive sound!
These songs cover everything from love songs to those dealing with heartbreak and loss; many are moving and will make you feel all your emotions. “Longing to Belong” stands out, having become a classic due to its poignant lyrics.
This album was recorded between 2010 and 2011 in London and Los Angeles by Noel Gallagher with assistance from Dave Sardy, with musicians such as former Oasis keyboardist Mike Rowe, The Lemon Trees drummer Jeremy Stacey and Lenny Castro from The Lemon Trees being present as well as mixing by Lawrence Watson.
Noel’s latest album may not have the polish of his previous works, yet still contains some of his finest music. Most tracks feature only vocals and ukulele for an unpolished yet natural sounding album.
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds album is an incredible treat for fans of his music and can even inspire you to write your own. So don’t wait; grab your ukulele and start learning these brilliant songs today – you will thank yourself later! Available on iTunes and Amazon; also follow us on social media like Twitter and Facebook for updates and reviews of Noel’s High Flying Birds as soon as they hit iTunes or Amazon! 2019 Ukulele Songs All rights are Reserved | Privacy Policy | Contact Us.