Israel Who?

If you’re really into learning about the whos, whats, whys, whens, etc. about classic albums, there’s no better place to start than the 33 1/3 book series that is put out by Continuum. They’ve put out nearly 40 volumes so far and they’ve just announced another batch of titles that will be written over the course of 2007 and 2008.

Of the list, which can be found in full at the series’ blog, one title stood out to me from all the rest: Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s Facing Future. Israel who?

When you venture over to wikipedia, the wonder doesn’t cease. Featured there is the album cover pictured above, showing “Bruddah Iz” from the back in his (reported) 450 pound glory. The story is just as amazing: Kamakawiwo’ole had a huge impact on Hawaiian culture by bringing their music to more people than ever before – he was the first Hawaiian artist to ever have a certified platinum album (Facing Future) – and being outspoken in his support of native Hawaiian sovereignty. As a testament to his popularity, the Hawaii state flag flew at half-mast and his coffin lay in state at Capitol building in Honolulu after his death.

Intrigued, I investigated eMusic’s sole offering of Bruddah Iz today, Ka ‘Ano’i. While I was initially put off by the Jimmy Buffet-feel of the opener, “Margarita” (working in an office’ll do that to you), “Coney Island Washboard Woman” is a wonderfully quirky ragtime (?!) tune replete with a muted trumpet and banjo. “Kainoa” follows up that up on a Martin Denny-esque/marimba-happy tip and, yes, we’re lucky enough to have (what I think is) the famed version of his “Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World” medley that won so many people over to that aforementioned 1993 breakthrough hit, Facing Future. All in all? A little schmaltzy, but I like it.

That being said, even if I’m not totally sold on seeking out more of his music, I am totally sold on finding out more about the man. I’ll definitely be picking this book up when it’s published.

For those interested in what Dan Kois (the prospective author) will be talking about in his book, he’s published his pitch to the 33 1/3 editors at his blog here.