Monthly Archives: May 2017

Ball of Wax 48 Songs: Yas/Whetzel – “Wonder Arc en Ciel”

Yas/Whetzel is the project of local Seattle producer James Whetzel and French rapper Yas. I presume “Wonder Arc en Ciel” is about a rainbow (wonder arc in the sky), though you wouldn’t guess that by the nervous, driving pace of … Continue reading

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Ball of Wax 48 Songs: Thuraya Ahmad Hasan Ghannam w/ Moe Provencher – “تذكروني”

This song – whose Arabic title is pronounced “Tethekrooni,” and loosely translates as “Remember Me” – is the result of an impressive, heartfelt collaboration across generations, cultures, and the great divide between the dead and the living. The primary vocal … Continue reading

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Ball of Wax 48 Songs: Ju. – “¿Quieres Hacer el Favor de Callarte, Por Favor?”

“¿Quieres Hacer el Favor de Callarte, Por Favor?” is the Spanish title of a collection of short stories by Raymond Carver – Will You Please Be Quiet, Please? in English. Hailing from Madrid, Spain, Ju. seems to dwell in that golden … Continue reading

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Ball of Wax 48: Katacomb Trio – “Puttana di Tu Mà”

This is a very honest take of Rosa Balistreri’s “Buttana di To Mà.” A quick google of the title will inform you that it translates to ‘mother fucker,’ or more literally ‘whore of your mother’. This version is arguably more … Continue reading

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Ball of Wax 48 Songs: Odd Couple – “Flügge”

I’m not sure that German Grunge Rock was ever a bona fide genre like, say, Brazilian Psych, but it certainly seems like it should have been. Odd Couple are decidedly German and, per “Flügge,” devotees of dirty, fuzzed-out rock and roll. … Continue reading

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Ball of Wax 48 Songs: Die Geister Beschwören – “Cerro de la Muerte”

Despite their name, Die Geister Beschwören appears to hail from greater Cascadia, from parts of Oregon and Northern California. And despite adopting a spectral name in German, their contribution to Ball of Wax 48 is in Spanish. “Cerro de la Muerte,” … Continue reading

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Ball of Wax 48 Songs: Ainara LeGardon – “Déjalo (mientras)”

A while back, longtime Ball of Wax contributor Ainara LeGardon told me the album she was working on was going to be sung in Spanish – a first for her. Of course I immediately suggested she send me a song … Continue reading

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Ball of Wax 48 Songs: The Lonely Coast – “Rachuli Iavnana”

Like Pampa, The Lonely Coast were a group I knew I needed to have on this English-free volume of Ball of Wax. Their phenomenal voices and tireless ear for old songs from all over the world make for a powerful … Continue reading

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Ball of Wax 48: Virgin of the Birds – “Maintenant Blanchissant les Rayons”

The thing I like most about this song is the arrangement and instrumentation. Virgin of the Birds‘ Jon Rooney has an uncanny sense of balance that shines through in this reflective addition to Ball of Wax 48. His approach is … Continue reading

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Ball of Wax 48 Songs: Racingpaperplanes – “Det Vita”

Richard Wilson has performed and recorded for over fifteen years under the name Racingpaperplanes, but to my knowledge he sings almost exclusively in English. I was delighted that he responded to my call for non-English songs with “Det Vita,” a … Continue reading

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