Israeli Music Blogline - by Josh Shron

And The Winner Is...

2009-03-02T19:53:00.004-05:00

"Einayich" aka "There Must Be Another Way" will represent Israel in Eurovision 2009!

If you haven't heard the song (by Noa and Mira Awad), check out the video below.

Eurovision '09...Which Song Is Your Favorite?

2009-02-25T11:03:00.003-05:00

As announced on The Israel Hour, Achinoam Nini (Noa) and Mira Awad will represent Israel in Eurovision '09. On March 2nd, they will perform 4 songs in a mini Kdam (Pre-Eurovision) contest to decide which song will represent Israel.

The four songs, all sung in Hebrew, English and Arabic are:

1. Kol Shniya - Second Chance

2. Na'amin Bachalom - Faith In the Light

3. Bo'ee Lirkod Iti - Will You Dance With Me

4. Einayich - There Must Be Another Way

The 4 songs are now posted online at http://www.iba.org.il/eurovil.

Check out the songs, and tell us which is your favorite on our Facebook discussion board!
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=5318212449&topic=6963

We'll announce the winners of our own internal vote this Sunday on The Israel Hour.

Remember...we're now on the ar every Sunday at 11 am. Spread the word!

Three New Israeli Albums

2008-02-01T15:56:00.000-05:00

Thought I'd share some quick thoughts on some new albums I picked up recently.

1. Shiri Maimon - Rega Lifnei She... (A Moment Before)

Shiri's second album definitely ventures into "soul" music in a big way. She's been working quite a bit with Momy Levy, and his influence on this album is evident throughout. You can easily hear his musical style all over the album. I've always been a big fan of Shiri's voice, and she certainly doesn't disappoint here - although I feel that she's a bit more subdued here than on her first album. Some of my favorites include "V'ratziti She'ted'i" (Track 5), "Laila" (Track 6), "K'she'halachta" (Track 7), "Mamshicha Mikaan" (Track 8) and the very popular "Yoter Tov Lisloach" (Track 3).

2. Rita - Remazim (Hints)

Rita's now separated from Rami Kleinstein - both physically and musically - and now it's time for her to reinvent herself. Although Rami did write a couple of the songs on this new album, Rita worked closely with Ivri Lider on this effort, and it shows. She's singing much lower than she used to, avoiding the high notes and showing off the lower range of her voice. I've only listened to the album once, and although she sounds great, my one complaint is that many of the songs seem to sound very similar. There's not a whole lot to distinguish one from the other. Maybe a second listen will make me feel otherwise.

3. Momy Levy - Yevo Ishi (Personal Import)

My love-fest with Momy Levy continues. I finally get the new album this week,
and I love it. I can't put my finger on why, but his music just puts me in a
great mood. Almost every song is a hit in my book. Momy sounds great, and he
knows how to make a song fun. We've already heard four singles before the album came out: Zot Lo Ahava (Track 7), Lo Valentino (Track 13) , Banu L'ha'ir Ta'ir (Track 4) and Tehee Karov (Track 5)...all big hits, with the exception of the
last one (a great ballad, written by Arkadi Duchin). But there's so much more. I especially like the collaborations, including the funky, jazzy "Ma She'lo Yehiyeh" with Shai 360, a really nice pop ballad with Shirley Tzafri and a beautiful remake of Rami Kleinstein's "Notzah Ba'ruach" with Ayala Ingedashet. Aside from those, "Od Yom" (Track 3) and "Lo Yashen" (Track 6) are a lot of fun, and I love the gospel sound on "Bo Elai" (Track 9). In all, an incredible album...and I'm not just saying that because Momy mentioned me on his Radios 100FM radio show yesterday... :-)

If you're interested, all 3 of these albums are now available on the home page
of israelhour.com...along with two new podcasts.

Has anyone else heard any of these, or other new albums? Discuss.......

Rami and Rita: The Final Song?

2007-09-03T22:55:00.000-04:00

"K'she'habayit Reik, Zeh Lo Meshaneh Im Ani Tzodek..."

First Orna and Moshe Datz, now this. Say it ain't so!

It was announced today that Rita and her husband Rami Kleinstein are separating after being together for 28 years. They were married in 1988. Apparently they are not yet getting divorced, just separating for now. Rami moved out of the house about a month ago.

More details:
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3445322,00.html

I've always been a fan of both singers, and we've interviewed each of them a number of times over the years, so this was a bit disturbing to me. One of my favorite Israeli albums of all time is the joint concert album they released a few years ago. Still, in showbizz, I suppose it was always just a matter of time...

Sad news.

The Israel Hour: June 10, 2007

2007-06-15T12:13:00.001-04:00

Join us for brand new music this week from Mazi Cohen and Yoni Bloch, and find out all you need to know to catch a professional BASEBALL game in Israel this summer! Also...is the new Sarit Hadad hit a bit too similar to a song released a few years ago? We're not sure. You'll have to let us know your thoughts!

Click:
http://www.israelhour.com/shows/shows07/061007.mp3

The Israel Hour: May 27, 2007

2007-06-15T12:10:00.000-04:00

The Israel Hour Podcasts are back (at least for now)! And boy, this is a good one. This week, 60 minutes of BRAND NEW Israeli music! No oldies here...with your favorite artists like Sarit Hadad, Shlomo Artzi, Momy Levy, Miri Messika, Dana International, Ivri Lider, Ninette Tayeb and many more!

Click:
http://www.israelhour.com/shows/shows07/052707.mp3

Israel's 59th

2007-04-24T14:51:00.000-04:00

I hope many of you outside of Israel have been listening to Israeli radio online today.

It just "feels" different today. You can tell that there is a festive atmosphere. That there is reason for elebration. That there is a clear sense of national pride.

For those of you in the USA, do you feel this way on July 4th?

Last night, I had the pleasure to host a special edition of The Israel Hour from the streets of Rutgers University during Rutgers Hillel's Yom Ha'atzmaut celebration. Hundreds of college students joined us as Israeli music blared through the streets and blue and white Israeli flags were everywhere. You could just feel the excitement in the air, and made me proud to be associated with the land of Israel.

As Israel celebrates its 59th birthday, please take a moment today to reflect on the wonderful things accomplished by this young nation in such a short period of time. In some small (or large) way, take the time to celebrate Israel today - its language, its culture, its history and especially its music.

And take the first step in planning your next visit. I plan to be there this summer. Will you join me?

CHAG SAMEACH!

In Honor of Yom Hazikaron

2007-04-23T09:20:00.000-04:00

Today is Yom Hazikaron, Israel's Memorial Day in honor of fallen Israeli soldiers. To mark the day, Ynet invited Momy Levy and Ayala Ingedasht to record a new version of "Notza Baruach." It's a beautiful, moving rendition.

Check it out here.

Tipex Gets the Green Light!

2007-03-14T08:59:00.000-04:00

Reshet Gimmel reports that Tipex's "Push the Button" WILL take part in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest! Best of luck!

Here's the article from The Jerusalem Post.

Song of the Year

2007-03-08T15:43:00.000-05:00

Just announced on tonight's Musica 24 Israeli music awards...This year's song of the year is "Ve'at" by Harel Ska'at.

I'll post the complete list of winers ASAP.

Push the Button - Banned?

2007-03-02T13:30:00.000-05:00

Not so fast, Kdam voters...the Eurovision committee might ban Tipex's "Push the Button" from the competition.

From an article on ynetnews.com:
"Eurovision Song Contest organizers say song by Teapacks seemingly refers indirectly to Iran's nuclear ambitions and its hard-line leader Ahmadinejad. Lead singer: Song could be about the terror in Russia or Spain, or the violence on the streets of England or London."

Great...Israel finally submits an interesting song, and now they can't even sing it. At least we're getting some buzz...

Read the article here.
(Thanks to Stuart for the tip.)

Push the Button

2007-02-27T16:13:00.001-05:00

JUST ANNOUNCED: Tipex's "Push the Button" will represent Israel in the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest!

Hear Tipex's Four Potential Eurovision Songs Online!

2007-02-23T09:37:00.000-05:00

Tipex has released four potential songs for this year's Eurovision Song Contest. As you might expect from Tipex, they're not your typical cheesy Eurovision songs.

The four songs are called:
1. Push The Button
2. Saalam Salami
3. Twelve Points
4. Voulez Vous

You can hear all of the songs at the link below. On the right side of the page, click on the button that says "English" to see an English version of the site.

http://eurovil.iba.org.il/

Thoughts?

Year-End Roundup

2006-09-27T10:17:00.000-04:00

Shana Tovah from Israeli Music Blogline!

After a prolonged absence, we're back to take a look at Israeli music in the past year 5756. There's been no shortage of retrospectives of the past year in Israeli music, and 2 names contine to dominate every discussion: Harel Ska'at and Keren Peles.

Ska'at, of course, has enjoyed success on one hit song after another on his new album, and Peles - after writing dozens of successful songs for other artists - has become a household name with the release of a hot new album of her own.

You'll hear a lot more about them - and many others - in these articles:

We'll look back at the top songs of the year on The Israel Hour within the next few weeks.

Soldiers' Choice

2006-06-21T09:56:00.000-04:00

I love reporting these kinds of things...

A survey was conducted among thousands of Israeli soldiers, asking "Who is your favorite Israeli singer or group?"

The winner? Ninette Tayeb (who hasn't even released her first album!).

Coming in second was the lovely and talented Shiri Maimon, and Beit Habubot came in a distant third. Last year's winner, Ivri Lider, came in fourth.

The winner will perform at a gathering of soldiers in Park Hayarkon in Tel Aviv on June 27th. Ninette will be there, in addition to boy band The Gameboys.

Just further evidence of the impact "Kochav Nolad" has had on Israeli culture. Amazing.

(Source: Reshet Gimmel)

Shlomo Artzi's New Album

2006-06-15T17:22:00.000-04:00

Big news from Shlomo Artzi:

Reshet Gimmel , quoting Yediot Achronot, says that Shlomo Artzi's next album will be available in time for Passover 2007 - typically a popular time of the year for new releases.

Fans, stay tuned...

The Israel Hour: June 4, 2006

2006-06-09T09:42:00.000-04:00

Rami Kleinstein chats with us about his latest album, his wife Rita, his collaboration with Shiri Maimon and his future plans!

Podcast:
http://israelhour.bostoncoop.net/shows06/060406.mp3

The Israel Hour: May 28, 2006

2006-06-09T09:40:00.000-04:00

It's the 39th Anniversary of the re-unification of Jerusalem, and we celebrate Yom Yerushalayim with a plethora of songs professing love for the eternal capital of the State of Israel! Also - enjoy brand new music by Miri Messika and Aviv Gefen.

Podcast:
http://israelhour.bostoncoop.net/shows06/052806.mp3

Rami Kleinstein / Shiri Maimon in NYC 6/6/06

2006-06-08T17:46:00.000-04:00

(Note: As you read this, you may notice that I have a new-found crush on Shiri Maimon. Yes, I know I'm a married man, but let's ignore that for now...)

I've always been a big fan of Rami Kleinstein. I've seen Rami live in concert about five times now. He's always impressed me in a big way...from his intimate "Rami and the Piano" show to "Rami and Rita: The Joint Concert" - I've always thoroughly enjoyed watching him perform. He has a great stage presence, is an incredibly talented pianist, and TOTALLY warms up to the crowd by telling some great, humorous stories. And of course, he sings all of the hits. He's usually a bit hoarse when we see him, but it's easy to look past that because we're having so much fun.

With that said, his concert Tuesday night at Symphony Space in New York City has got to be the best I've seen. This time, Rami performed along with his new band, "The Council 2". Although he spent much of his time behind the keyboard, the band's presence allowed him to move all around the stage all night long.

And as we've seen Rami (and Rita) do in the past, he took some time to walk through the audience, with hugs, handshakes, even some photo opportunities for all who could reach him. How cool is that? How many other artists would do the same thing at their concerts?

He sang just about everything you could hope for: (In no particular order) Chutz Mimech Klum, Od Lo Tamu Kol Pla'ayich, Tapuchim U'tmarim, At Shara Baradio, Aish, Inyan Shel Z'man, Al Hagesher Hayashan, Tza'ir Lanetzach, and many others. He also sang three songs from his latest album: Ruchot Milchama, Mashehu Tov and Delet Ha'knisah.

About half way through, he began singing "Bayom Shel Haptzatza." After one verse, he introduced Shiri Maimon, and they finished the song as a duet.

Let's talk about Shiri. Ever since I heard the highlights album for Season One of "Kochav Nolad," I've been blown away by Shiri's voice. What an incredible talent! I still think she should've beat Ninette on Kochav Nolad. She has a phenomenal voice that's incredibly powerful. She sang three more songs on her own: Kama Pe'amim, Hasheket Shenishar and Le'an She'lo Telchi.

True, she didn't do much I hadn't heard before, but I was thrilled to see and hear her live. I could listen to her all day. The audience was genuinely impressed, and in speaking to her manager later, it looks like they're really grooming her to become the next big thing. She's already seen a ton of success in a very short time in Israel, and her manager tells me that they're looking to set up a larger-scale American tour, perhaps later this year. Mairov thinks that, with a few dance lessons, she's going to become Israel's next Rita. We'll see...

(BTW...Some famous people tend to look much better under the lights on TV or on stage, but when you see them close up in person they're not nearly as attractive. We had the chance to speak to Shiri up close and personal after the show, and she looks just as incredible. Hence, my crush...)

Shiri left, then Rami came back. Soon he got the audience up on their feet, cheering and dancing throughout the theater. For an encore, he called Shiri back and they did "Le'an Shelo Telchi" again together, since Rami wrote the song for her (why would they have her sing the same song twice?). Then Rami kicked her offstage to do a couple more songs on his own.

We had a great time. Rami never disappoints and it was a thrill to see Shiri in person. Don't miss either of 'em the next time they're in your town.

The Israel Hour: May 21, 2006

2006-05-22T14:28:00.000-04:00

The Israel Hour is back with another action-packed show! You'll hear the latest from Tipex and Kobi Peretz, learn more about the upcoming Rami Kleinstein/Shiri Maimon shows in the USA, and find out who won the recent Eurovision Song Contest (Hint: Israel didn't come close...)!

Podcast:
http://israelhour.bostoncoop.net/shows06/052106.mp3

The Israel Hour: May 14, 2006

2006-05-22T14:27:00.000-04:00

What's playing on Israeli radio these days? You'll hear Reshet Gimmel's top three songs this week on The Israel Hour! Plus - it's Mother's Day in the USA, and we pay tribute to "ima" with some great music!

Podcast:
http://israelhour.bostoncoop.net/shows06/051406.mp3

The Israel Hour: May 7, 2006

2006-05-22T14:25:00.000-04:00

Ready to party? Our annual Yom Ha'atzmaut celebration features your favorite Israeli party music, past and present! Our "chagiga" will get you singing and dancing - right from the start!

Podcast:
http://israelhour.bostoncoop.net/shows06/050706.mp3

Sad. Just Plain Sad.

2006-05-20T22:57:00.000-04:00

The annual Eurovision took place tonight, with Eddie Butler's "Ze Haz'man" representing our country. He probably would have scored better if he had stayed home...

Ha'aretz: "Finns win Eurovision song contest, Israel finishes second to last"
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/717968.html

58 Reasons Why I Love Israel

2006-05-03T22:19:00.000-04:00

From The Jerusalem Post a few days ago. Not music related, but what a great way to end Yom Ha'atzmaut! What are YOUR reasons?

The Human Spirit: 58 reasons why I love Israel
Barbara Sofer, THE JERUSALEM POST
Apr. 27, 2006

1. Big news here was our success in getting a 2,000-year-old date seed to sprout on Kibbutz Ketura. The tree is now 92 cm. tall and 65 cm. wide. Myrrh and frankincense are next (really!).

2. At Kibbutz Revivim, water from fish tanks nourishes alfalfa for ostriches. Go figure.

3. Over the past 25 years agricultural output has increased sevenfold with hardly any increase in the amount of water used.

4. We have no natural ice but we compete in Olympic ice-dancing competitions.

5. You can pick up fresh rolls at the corner store before 6 a.m. (and pay for them later).

6. Before Purim, media report on costume choice as a parameter of cultural trends.

7. Prayers like Adon Olam and Shabehi Yerushalayim can become popular songs here.

8. Because we love kids, we provide free in-vitro (test-tube) fertilization for childless couples for up to two children.

9. The whole country is excited about the birth of a baby elephant by artificial insemination.

10. The doctor who briefed the world press about the prime minister's health report was really an obstetrician.

11. The most popular name given to both boys and girls is Noam, which means pleasantness.

12. Israeli delivery rooms prepare for more babies before Pessah because zealous cleaning induces labor.

13. Before Pessah, toy stores advertise afikoman gifts

14. Bread sales escalate in the week of Pessah cleaning because so many families are reduced to eating sandwiches.

15. We have problems of our own, but this year we undertook life-saving model projects to treat AIDS in Africa and help hurricane victims in the US.

16. No matter what's happening outside, inside our hospitals disease is the only enemy.

17. Its value may fluctuate, but we called our money "shekel" just as we did in biblical days.

18. We have 120 members of the Knesset because that's how many seats there were in the ancient Sanhedrin.

19. The site of the Sanhedrin is now being excavated in Tiberias, 17 centuries after it was built.

20. Soldiers ride free on buses.

21. The interim prime minister leaves his house early in the morning so security won't disturb the school traffic on his block.

22. We stick together. Israeli backpackers go halfway around the world to hang out with other Israelis.

23. Along with the inoculations backpackers get before going to exotic countries, the Health Ministry includes a parental lecture from a nurse about safe habits.

24. Jerusalem offers free wireless Internet in cafes to lure back wary diners.

25. Hospitals install extra antennas so we can use our cellphones and call our families and friends (84 percent of households in Israel have a cellphone, much of the software for which was developed here).

26. Israel boasts the first computerized hip replacement and the first Hebrew hip-hop music.

27. After experiencing the trauma of an incapacitated prime minister, we went in an orderly manner to the polls.

28. Our old-fashioned hand-counted voting system ain't broke, so we don't fix it.

29. Young adults care enough about old adults to vote for their political party.

30. Said the BBC: The Economist Intelligence Unit, a leading research and advisory firm, recently ranked Israel first among 20 Middle Eastern countries on 15 different indicators of democracy and political freedom.

31. Some may claim we're militaristic, but according to Dun and Bradstreet the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens in Jerusalem (the Biblical Zoo) is our most popular site.

32. Finely chopped Israeli salad was the kibbutz pioneers' answer to scarce vegetables, but now they're growing candy-sweet Israeli-developed cherry tomatoes that you don't have to cut.

33. We're incessant travelers; no wonder the ultimately portable (USB drive) computer disk-on-key was invented here.

34. While the debate about the security barrier was going on, an Israeli company in Herzliya invented a radar system that sees through walls like Superman.

35. The Western Wall is reportedly more popular than ever with locals and tourists. A legendary lizard appears at midnight.

36. Parents can now watch their kids' nursery school through hi-tech Internet cameras but they still sing exactly the same Hanukka and birthday songs.

37. The most common margarine changed its wrapper design after 50 years and made the news.
38. We don't debate immigration. We're the world's largest per-capita immigrant absorbing country.

39. To sell apartments, real-estate ads tout "succa porches."

40. In Israel, an obscure holiday called Succot is high season; book a year in advance.

41. Popular jewelry artist Michal Negrin has a successful shop at Ben-Gurion Airport. No wonder. Ben-Gurion was her great-grandfather.

42. New history museums about the Palmah, Theodor Herzl and Menachem Begin continue to draw crowds. Who says we're post-Zionist?

43. On Hanukka, the light from hanukkiot with the correct number of candles shines from store windows and rooftops as well as private homes.

44. Cafes here offered "upside-down coffee" way before cappuccino was trendy.

45. Corner greengrocers have forever carried kohlrabi, quince, pomelo and fresh coriander.

46. In the Land of Milk and Honey, we have so many kinds of cheeses that we're advising New Zealanders on making sheep cheese.

47. You can buy Holy Cheese in Safed and Holy Bagels in Jerusalem.

48. You can buy kosher chicken schnitzel in the shape of dinosaurs in the supermarket and still believe in the story of Adam and Eve.

49. In the first year since Yad Vashem's Central Database of Shoah Victims' Names has been online more than eight million visitors from 215 countries and territories have accessed the site - 250,000 visitors a month.

50. In 2005, 563 persons were recognized as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem, six decades after the Holocaust.

51. A hundred thousand Diaspora students have received free trips with birthright Israel and most of them have fallen in love with the country.

52. Senior citizens regularly enjoy the pubs and nightlife in Tel Aviv alongside young adults.

53. Even those bereaved who don't consider themselves religious take a week to sit shiva and men grow mourning beards.

54. We have the highest computer ownership per capita and can read the news on-line, but still keep 32 different newspapers in business.

55. In the early years, the State of Israel was so poor that it once had to borrow money from the women of Hadassah to finish the month. Today we have an annual GNP per capita of $17,400.

56 At Ben-Gurion Airport's new terminal, those arriving see those leaving because the architect knew that the drama of arrivals and departures in Israel was greater than in other lands.

57. Our word for "welcome" means "bless you in your arrival."

58. The term habayta, means "coming home," no matter where you are, no matter how old you are.

Happy Birthday Israel!

2006-05-03T15:58:00.000-04:00

Chaverim,

Today is what The Israel Hour is all about.

A major, worldwide celebration of Israel: its culture, its accomplishments, its "quirks". One day a year when Israeli politics takes a back seat, and Israeli pride shines through.

Welcome to Israel's 58th Birthday!

It is simply mind boggling that such a young country is so advanced. We should all be very proud of what Eretz Yisrael has accomplished in its short history.

Aside from a fortunate few of us who are in Israel on this special day, most of us need to work a little harder to get carried away by the spirit of the day. After all, life in America goes on as usual.

Therefore - as I do every year, I urge all of you to make an effort to celebrate Israel today. Attend a local celebration (and be sure to bring some Israel Hour flyers along!). Go online and purchase Israeli products. Dress the entire family in blue and white. Drive around with Israeli music blaring from your car. Wave Israeli flags everywhere you go. Tune into Israeli radio on the Internet, or just turn on The Israel Hour!

Then be sure to join in our celebration on the air this Sunday. We'll be playing songs appropriate for a large-scale "chagiga", and of course, your song suggestions are very welcome. If you were throwing a Yom Ha'atzmaut party, what songs would you play? Let me know!

Also, please make every effort to join us live. Although the show will be available as a podcast later in the week, no one wants to celebrate alone. There's something really nice about knowing that so many people are celebrating along with you at the same time!

With t'filot and b'rachot for peace and tranquility in Israel, I wish all of our readers and listeners a Chag Sameach!!

"Ein Makom K'mo Eretz Yisrael!"