Off-the-beaten-path features singles and albums of up and coming artists (often unsigned by a record label) that are not necessarily power pop, but really good music that deserves to be heard.
Carl Kammeyer “You”
California-born pop singer/songwriter Carl Kammeyer has a strong voice and a gift for crafting heartfelt and emotional music. Kammeyer’s “You” is soulful, light breeze through an early morning window. Influenced by Marvin Gaye and Bobby McFerrin, Kammeyer opens with rhythmic percussion and organ, and a striking vocal thereby producing a sound both nostalgic and modern.
Although initially the vocals strain a bit, Carl settles in nicely with the positive message and its touch of doo-wop in the background harmonies, repeating “you, you, you.” The instrumentation is subtle and understated here, as the vocals are out front. Simple and optimistic, the words complement the optimism, and gradually the melody creeps into your consciousness and remains there. In fact, you’ll hear the echoes of that chorus long after the song ends. Kammeyer shows with “You,” soulful pop doesn’t have to yell; sometimes it simply needs to make you smile.