Saturday, May 31, 2008

Monthly Wrap-Up: MAY


Hello, my fellow Red Bananians!

At the end of every month I will be posting an instant replay of the month's happenings, and give you a little preview of what's to come.  You will be able to access these wrap-ups quickly via the frame on the right.  These will basically work as a sort of index to get to the stories you may want to read without having to scan every entry.

While there is not much to report this time since the RED BANANA has only existed for a week at the end of May, let's focus on the main point: IT EXISTED!

Here's a look at what has gone down.

WE HAVE A MYSPACE!

Featured Artist:

Daily glances into Music History:

Free iTunes Weekly Download:

New Music Reviews:

Classical Music Reviews:

Entertainment News:

Movies:

Television:

Here are some things to look forward to in the month of June:

Our featured artists will include:
- Will Knox
- Robert Plant
- Gogol Bordello
- Beck
&
- Brad Mehldau

We are hoping to fit a lot of live shows into our schedules whenever possible, so hopefully that will mean concert reviews with a lot of pictures and video footage!

Some we can promise to you now:
- Ingrid Michaelson
- Will Knox
- Gogol Bordello
&
- Rachmaninoff Vespers


Here at the RED BANANA, we're all very excited for the months to come.  Let's turn this into a force to be reckoned with!  Thank you all for checking in!  Keep coming back!

Be excellent to each other & Party on!
- Lindsay xx


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TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 5/31

THE FALL OF GIRL POWER! 1998




It's been 10 years since Geri Halliwell confirmed she had quit the diva supergroup, the Spice Girls, saying it was because of differences between members.  She went on to work on her solo career.  The remaining four members, Victoria Adams (now Victoria Beckham), Melanie Brown, Melanie Chisholm, and Emma Bunton, went on to record a third album, Forever, before they began splitting off into solo projects of their own.  All of the girls were back together again this past winter when they kicked off their reunion tour.




36 Grateful Dead fans got a bigger kick from their cider than they expected, when it was "secretly" laced with L.S.D. at a show back in 1971.  They received medical treatment, and no lasting effects have been cited.




Today in 1977, "God Save The Queen" by the Sex Pistols was banned by the BBC.  Apparently the single was in bad taste.  Despite warnings issued to radio stations, the single rose to #2 on the UK charts.

Here is a video this controversial tune during a recording session:




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5/31- CLASSICAL DELIGHTS

a column by 
Kristen Kozub

Eric Whitacre: Cloudburst

When first introduced to the works of American composer Eric Whitacre, it is hard to believe that the creator of such rich compositions and thick harmonic textures received no formal training until the age of eighteen. A mere twenty years later, Whitacre has become one of the most sought-after contemporary composers, by professional and amateur choirs alike. When listening to the most recent addition to his discography, entitled Cloudburst, it is not hard to understand why audiences adore his work, and are left aching for more. This recording has that same effect.

It opens with the majestic "I Thank You God for Most This Amazing Day," a setting of the E.E. Cummings poem. Whitacre seems to match the bold nature of the text with the music he chooses to complement it. The heavy layering of parts and frequent occurrences of what are affectionately known as "Whitacre chords" make this an appropriate introduction to the sound that is distinctly his.Another notable piece is the third track, entitled "Sleep," which has become one of Whitacre's signature and most famous works, and my personal favorite. Not only is the text exquisite, but the music is extraordinarily beautiful, and fitting for its text. The strong dissonances and lush harmonies allow the listeners to enter the dreamlike state that the character in the poem experiences. The piece eerily concludes after its climax with a fade out of the voices, as the poem suggests "surrendering" to sleep. What is interesting about this particular work is that the musical setting was written prior to the text. Whitacre originally intended to write a setting of Robert Frost's "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening," but when the Frost estate forbade its publication until 2038, Whitacre enlisted his friend, Anthony Silvestri, to write an alternative text. Since the work's publication in 2000, it has become a favorite of choral directors and audiences throughout the United States.

The title track of the album, "Cloudburst," is perhaps the most artistic and adventurous work on the disc. With the colorful addition of piano and percussion, Whitacre creatively uses the choir to simulate a rainstorm, using wind chimes, thunder sheets, handbells, and body percussion. His energetic and innovative setting of a short poem by Octavio Paz is sure to surface frequently in the years to come.

The concluding track of the disc, "Lux Arumque," is yet another glorious setting of a seemingly simple text, which Whitacre chose to have translated into Latin. He does an excellent job of establishing setting in this one. The mysterious chords in the opening and the way Whitacre layers the voices make it an appropriate conclusion, ending in a way that should leave its audience at peace.

For this recording, Whitacre is joined by the collegiate choir Polyphony, conducted by Stephen Layton, and for the most part, they suit the album wonderfully. My only complaint would be that the soloists did not adequately perform the solos, and that there was not enough depth to them. My feeling is that the soprano was the strongest of the four, and that her voice fit the stylistics of the pieces the best.

Many people have criticized Whitacre for the fact that his pieces sound so similar. I, however, found something distinctly different about each one of the tracks on this disc. The poetry he uses is unbelievably honest and exquisite, and his music follows suit. Although many people believe Whitacre's texts to be heavily rooted in religion, they will find that it is actually quite the contrary. Whitacre has been quoted as saying that he chooses only the texts that he finds, simple, honest, and often quiet, allowing the audience to take what they want from it. Speaking from experience, his music is rangy and painstakingly difficult to learn, but penetrates the souls of its performers and listeners with the onset of the first chord. What is so lovely and different about this work is that, with the exception of the title track, the only instruments used are human voices. There is nothing more miraculous and magnificent. Regardless of whether or not you are a fan of choral music, this is a record that is a feast for the ears and should definitely be given a chance. It will undoubtedly leave its listeners humbled and awestruck.

Track Listings for Cloudburst:

1. i thank You God for most this amazing day (1999, TEXT: e.e. cummings)
2. I hide myself (1991, TEXT: Emily Dickinson)
3. Sleep (2000, TEXT: Charles Anthony Silvestri)
4. Go, lovely Rose (1991, TEXT: Edmund Waller)
5. When David Heard (1999, TEXT: II Samuel 18:33)
6. hope, faith, life, love (1999, TEXT: e.e. cummings)
7. Cloudburst (1993, TEXT: Octavio Paz)
8. With a lily in your hand (1991, TEXT: Federico Garcia Lorca
9. This Marriage (2004, TEXT: Jalal al-Din Rumi)
10. Water Night (1995, TEXT: Octavio Paz)
11. A Boy and a Girl (2002, TEXT: Octavio Paz)
12. Her sacred spirit soars (2002, TEXT: Charles Anthony Silvestri)
13. Lux aurumque (2000, TEXT: Edward Esch/Charles Anthony Silvestri)

Check out his MySpace:  http://www.myspace.com/ericwhitacre

Here is a slideshow to "Sleep":



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Unfold with Marié Digby.

NEW MUSIC REVIEW:
Marié Digby, Unfold
Lindsay Van Osten

As a trained musician, I sometimes have a habit of taking on a somewhat snobbish view
 toward music that isn't over-complicated by orchestration. My brain often needs puzzles to unravel in order to maintain interest. Having said that, I think Marié Digby may have shed some light on this issue for me. I've never quite been able to define "good pop music," but to me this is it. Digby's latest record, Unfold, makes you want to sing along before you even know the words. It's simple, it's lovely, and it's infectious. 

The popularity of female singer-songwriters is raging. It can be intimidating to compete with the likes of Leslie Feist, Regina Spektor, Ingrid Michaelson, Alanis Morissette, Lisa Loeb, Sara Bareilles...the list goes on; but this LA songstress can join the ranks with her head held high. Her voice is gorgeous. She certainly doesn't have the unbearable whine that it seems so many female vocalists develop. (Avril Lavigne, anyone?) Instead her tone achieves a breathtaking beauty, and stays that way throughout the entire record. After witnessing the boom of popularity Colbie Caillat's "Bubbly" received, I have no doubts that any track of this album could easily be a hit.

Digby puts all of her emotions out on the table, which is really no surprise as she has cited the struggles of young adulthood as her prime inspiration. She has created an extremely autobiographical and relatable record, without forcing 
the listener to dig for the meanings. She does a fantastic job of taking the listener through the most universal human emotions. I have no idea how many times I have listened to Unfold while preparing this review, but the song "Miss Invisible" has made me cry every time without fail. Somehow Digby is able to express loneliness in the music itself.  You can feel her voice breaking during the entire song, and it shoots straight into the heart.  The chords spark tears before the equally touching lyrics even begin. I also love the tune "Spell." It takes away the rhythm section and showcases very simple and gorgeous piano and vocals, for a soothing experience. Digby's album finishes with her rendition of Rihanna's smash hit, "Umbrella."  I've always had a weakness for acoustic covers, and Digby does a great job of incorporating key elements of the original while making it her own.

While I think this is a solid pop record, some people may find this album too bubblegum, or candy-like (unintentional, yet appropriate, reference to Mandy Moore's 2005 compilation). But in all honesty, who doesn't enjoy a sweet aftertaste? I know I do. Go listen to tracks from this delight on Digby's MySpace. Buy it. Own it. Love it.

Before you do anything else, please, come cry with me:

A video of "Miss Invisible."


MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mariedigby

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/mariedigby

Marié's remaining US Tour Dates:

June, 1 2008 07:00 PM - The Norva 
Norfolk, Virginia 

June, 2 2008 06:00 PM - The National
Richmond, Virginia

June, 4 2008 06:00 PM - Mercy Lounge
Nashville, Tennessee

June, 5 2008 07:00 PM - Vinyl
Atlanta, Georgia

June, 6 2008 08:30 PM - Jack Rabbits
Jacksonville, Florida

June, 8 2008 07:00 PM - The Social
Orlando, Florida

June, 9 2008 08:00 PM - Orpheum
Tampa, Florida

June, 11 2008 07:00 PM - WorkPlay Theatre
Birmingham, Alabama

June, 12 2008 08:00 PM - Parish at House of Blue
New Orleans, Louisiana

June, 14 2008 08:00 PM - Palladium Ballroom
Dallas, Texas

June, 15 2008 08:00 PM - Meridian Red Room
Houston, Texas

June, 18 2008 08:00 PM - Martini Ranch
Scottsdale, Arizona

June, 19 2008 08:00 PM - Soma (Sidestage)
San Diego, California

June, 20 2008 09:00 PM - El Rey
Los Angeles, California

June, 21 2008 08:00 PM - Glass House
Ponomo, California

June, 22 2008 08:00 PM - Golden Gate Park
San Fransisco, California

June, 23 2008 08:00 PM - The Boardwalk
Orangevale, California 

June, 25 2008 08:00 PM - Big Easy
Boise, Idaho

June, 26 2008 08:00 PM - Big Dipper
Spokane, Washington

June, 27 2008 08:00 PM - Neumo’s
Seattle, Washington

June, 28 2008 08:00 PM - Hawthorne Theatre
Portland, Oregon 

June, 30 2008 08:00 PM - Club Sound
Salt Lake City, Utah

July, 1 2008 08:00 PM - Epic (w/Gavin Degraw)
Minneapolis, Minnesota

July, 2 2008 08:00 PM - Rialto Theatre (w/Gavin Degraw)
Joliet, Illinois

July, 6 2008 08:00 PM - Magic City Music Hall (w/Gavin Degraw)
Johnson City, New York

July, 8 2008 08:00 PM - Crocodile Rock (w/Gavin Degraw)
Allentown, Pennsylvania

July, 9 2008 08:00 PM - Carnegie Music Hall (w/ Gavin Degraw)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 

July, 11 2008 08:00 PM - TBD
Cleveland, Ohio

July, 16 2008 08:00 PM - Bogarts (w/ Gavin Degraw)
Cincinnati, Ohio 

July, 17 2008 08:00 PM - WZPL Radio Show
Indianapolis, Indiana

July, 22 2008 08:00 PM - Club 101 (w/ Gavin Degraw)
El Paso, Texas

July, 24 2008 08:00 PM - Six Flags Fiesta Texas (w/ Gavin Degraw)
San Antonio, Texas

July, 25 2008 08:00 PM - Lakewood Theatre (w/ Gavin Degraw)
Dallas, Texas

July, 27 2008 08:00 PM - Warehouse Live (w/ Gavin Degraw)
Houston, Texas

July, 29 2008 08:00 PM - TBD (w/ Gavin Degraw)
New Orleans, Louisiana

July, 31 2008 08:00 PM - TBD (w/ Gavin Degraw)
Atlanta, Georgia

August, 1 2008 08:00 PM - The National (w/ Gavin Degraw)
Richmond, Virginia

The official music video for "Say It Again":


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"So you think you can dance!": Chapter 1

A weekly re-cap the happenings of the Fox show, So you think you can dance.
by, Jenna Avery-Lawyer

(above: Season 3 winner, 20-year-old, Sabra Johnson of Utah.)

I love this show! American Idol move aside! It's time for some dancin'! I like exclamator statements! YEAH!

Much like the first couple weeks of American Idol, So you think you can dance has mass auditions. They feature a wide range of styles and caliber. It also has its share of spotlight seekers that really have no interest in dance, but just crave a bit of attention. Of course, without these desperate cries for love and affection, the first few weeks would only be filled with GOOD dancers. And who wants to watch that? Let's thank the mothers of the world that didn't hug their children enough. Thanks mom.

No-talent hacks aside, this show really does feature some of the best dancers yet to be recognized. Many have struggled for years in their chosen career, though most would argue they didn't choose dancing; dancing chose them. In my opinion, this is true for all artists.  It isn't really a choice, but a calling.  Just like a fire won't vanish because we ignore it, neither does passion. It can wan, but it will never truly disappear.

This is why I love the show. The passion expressed by these people is so incredibly honest and intense. When the show gets to the top 20 dancers, it transforms. It becomes a weekly therapy session- dancing style. They bare their souls on the floor. They are so clearly seen by all watching, and it can become overwhelming. Everyone should have an artistic outlet. It is truly purging, and soul-satisfying.

I can't wait for the weeks to come. It's one of the things I look forward to the most. That sounds a bit sad, since it is a reality dancing competition, but it's worth your time. You will be exposed to all types of dance styles done by incredible human beings. So stay tuned. I'll update every week!


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TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 5/30

At this time in 1987, Beastie Boys member Adam Horovitz was arrested after a fan was hit in the face with a beer can during an uproar in Liverpool, England.  The band was on their "Licensed to Ill Tour" at the time, so it's hard to believe some chaos wasn't expected, if not welcomed, by fans.  A can in the face for one (un)lucky fan threw up the dividing line between excellence and emergency.

However, find me a person who doesn't like the Beastie Boys!  (My friend Colby doesn't count.  I think she suffered some type of trauma to the Intergalactic lobe, which obviously disqualifies her opinion.)  Ironically, while I was writing this blurb "No Sleep til Brooklyn" came on the page's last.fm (which is on the right, so turn it on and listen!).  I think it was a sign. 

Here's a flashback to 1986.  After watching, I guarantee you will have a better understanding of how a beer-to-face injury could have occurred just a year later.



DAVID BOWIE LAUNCHES "GLASS SPIDER" WORLD TOUR!

You can rest assured that we will definitely be dedicating a week to this fabulous man!  For now, please enjoy this amazing video that was thrown into my face whenever I visited a certain myspace for a long period of time.  Welcome David Bowie and Mick Jagger in the ultimate event that is "Dancing in the Streets," via 1985.


- Lindsay xx

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Friday, May 30, 2008

FREE ITUNES- WEEKLY DOWNLOAD

This week's free iTunes download is "Blind," by a band called Hercules and the Love Affair.  I'm not one to knock a tune, let alone a free one, but I don't completely understand what Hercules was going for with their track.  It downloaded into the "dance" section of my iTunes, so why am I not moving?  The song vaguely reminds me of one played by a rejected band in The Wedding Singer (1998).  No, who am I kidding?  The image is a vivid one.  Usually I try to find something to like about all music that infiltrates my ears, but this just feels so cheesy and dull to me that it's almost impossible.  The bass line is pretty hip, but it isn't strong enough to make up for the combined weakness of the other elements.  Maybe they meant to call it "Deaf"?
You can still go ahead and download it if you feel so inclined.  It's free, and you can always delete it... or turn it up and put it on repeat to torture your enemies.  Or you may like it- apparently a lot of people do.

Click here.  The link will open your iTunes and give you the option of downloading.

Other tunes can be found on their MySpace.  I'll admit...they start to grow on you.  I actually really like some of their other stuff.  I sometimes think iTunes has a secret goal of providing negative first impressions.  As for "Blind"...after a few listens you do start to bop a bit- and I don't think it's from seizures either: 


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Thursday, May 29, 2008

TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 5/29

R.I.P. JEFF BUCKLEY
11/17/1966 - 5/29/1997

Today marks the 11-year anniversary of Jeff Buckley's death.  Buckley went missing in Memphis, TN after going for a swim in the Mississippi River.  He was in the south working on recordings for a follow-up album to Grace.  The record was never finished.  Keith Foti, a friend of Buckley's, said he had unsuccessfully tried to persuade the singer against going into the water because of the extre
mely strong currents.  Buckley's body was found in the water on June 4th, 1997, when he was spotted near a boat by a tourist.

Our staff writer, Jenna, credits much of her musical drive to Buckley and his work.  She wrote a feature about her first experience with "So Real," which can be viewed by clicking here.

Here are two videos you MUST WATCH.  Before I watched these I did not know much about Jeff or his music, and within seconds I felt as though he had become a part of my life.  His words are sensational, his music is passionate, and his soul is naked...lying in the open for us to take.These are beautiful moments, so please enjoy.



"I'm dreaming of an eternal classic..."

It was 66 years ago (1942) today that Bing Crosby first recorded the infamous Irving Berlin tune, "White Christmas."  It lasted as the biggest selling single of all time, selling over 30 million copies, until the title was stolen by Elton John's, "Candle in the Wind," in 1997.  "White Christmas" went on to be the headlining track of the film by the same name.    



HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SCARY SPICE!!!


Spice Girl Melanie Brown turns 33 today, and she's as fierce as ever!



- Lindsay x


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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 5/28

"It's All Over Now, " for Rolling Stones frontman.

THE YEAR: 1969
THE OFFENSE:  Possession of Marijuana
THE OFFENDER:  Mick Jagger

The Rolling Stones singer insisted police tried to plant cocaine on him during a drug bust at his London home, in which cannabis was found.  His girlfriend, Marianne Faithful, was also at the house during the bust.  Jagger was found guilty of marijuana possesion, and was fined 200 pounds.  Police statements show a concern for the rocker's well-being, and his apparent ties to the drug world.

On a lighter note, if you haven't checked out the new Martin Scorsese film, Shine a Light, you should.  The film does a brilliant job of showcasing the bands talent on stage, while incorporating flashbacks of their growth through the years.

Here is the official trailer:



THE GREEN FAIRY IS GROWING UP:
KYLIE MINOGUE TURNS 40!

There is far too much to say about Kylie to be contained in a birthday blip, so we will save it for a later review, but this Australian diva deserves recognition on this special day.  Can you believe she is 40 years old?!  Her latest studio album, X, may be her fiercest one yet.  "Over the hill" is certainly not a saying that can be associated with Ms. Minogue; this superstar is just approaching her peak.

Check out her myspace:  http://www.myspace.com/kylieminogue

- Lindsay x

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Tuesday, May 27, 2008

WE'RE NOW ON MYSPACE!!!

SO ADD US!!! 
Our profile will be updated shortly to include info, tour dates, concert pics, staff diaries, and more! Help us take over the world from every front!  Coming soon to a facebook near you... :)

click the pic & join the revolution:


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TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 5/27

A very merry birthday to you, 
Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopes!

During her lifetime, Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopes collaborated with many well known artists such as Toni Braxton, former Spice GirlMel C, and NSync.  
Most widely know from her many years in the spot light with famed R&B group, TLC, Lopes later went on to record a solo album, Supernova, in 2001.  Her tragic death in 2002, while on a spiritual retreat in Honduras, was quite a blow to fans and the entire music community.  Today the lyrical visionary would have been celebrating her 37th birthday.


In honour of this diva, here is a flashback to the Left-Eye we all grew to love.  It is the official music video for the signature TLC hit, "Waterfalls", released in 1995.  Enjoy:



- Lindsay x

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Indiana Jones...or Indiana Drone?

NEW MOVIE REVIEW:
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Released: May 22, 2008
Jenna Avery-Lawyer

Yesterday, I went to see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, or as I like to call it, "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of what the hell is going on? Oh look, there's Shia, maybe I'll just hit mute."  Too wordy for a title? Hmm. No wonder they never called me back.

I have to say, albeit begrudgingly, it was a bit of a disappointment. I am extremely biased towards the "Indiana Jones" movies, so that's saying something. It just seemed too little, too late. Putting the plot aside, I'd like to focus on the acting chops of Harrison Ford, which I'm sorry to say, were severely lacking. Maybe it's his age. Is he just too old and tired to put forth the effort into his work anymore?  His half assed delivered lines could have been the result of the lines themselves, which sounded tired and cliché, much like Mr. Ford himself. I'm being a hard ass, but only because I expected something monumental. I guess high expectations always make the fall harder and faster. I'm depressed that I feel such things for an Indiana Jones movie.

On the bright side, it wasn't all bad. I would even see it again. The shining star of the film, Shia Lebouf, made that movie possible. His charismatic presence, along with his newly developed and much appreciated biceps, kept me alert. I can see him following an acting career much like Will Smith's. He's already a great action star with the skills for drama, and the comedic timing of a pro. Kate Blanchett, too, did not disappoint. She took her role as the deadly and obsessive Ukrainian, to heart. I found her disturbing and amusing.

The re-appearance of old characters, and occasional amusing references to old "Indiana" movies, were a nice treat to die hard fans, but felt forced. It made the film seem kitchy, and not in a good way. Since I don't do spoilers, I won't delve into the subtext of the film. I will say that it could have been better, but it will do. As I said before, I'd see it again, but not in theaters.

Feel free to check out the trailer:

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Monday, May 26, 2008

The Doctor's in the House!

Ladies and Gentleman, please welcome
Sir Dr. James Paul McCartney!

Today, in the far off land of New Haven, Connecticut, Paul McCartney was presented with a very prestigious degree; an honorary Doctor of Music from Yale University.  The well-deserved degree was given to the former Beatle for his influential songwriting, which has moved so many for generations.  This title can join the long list of awards and honors McCartney has enjoyed, including knighthood granted to him in 1996.  Now go celebrate by treating yourself to some Beatles.  You deserve it.

- Lindsay x

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TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 5/26


A SURPRISE CELEBRITY WEDDING!
Circa 1994.

Long before there was Mariah (Carey) and Nick (Cannon),  there was Michael and Lisa Marie.  It was 14 years ago, today, that Michael Jackson and the famous daughter of Elvis Presley joined the long list of celebrities to run off into marital bliss.  They were secretly married in the Dominican Republic.  Jackson, seen here clutching his bride, was delighted by the union.  (I just love her facial expression and the fact that her skin is darker than his.)  Unfortunately this hold must not have been strong enough, as the couple filed for divorce 20 months later.  The pair cited irreconcilable differences as their need to split.  Lisa Marie also claims she did not see her ex-husband for 6 months before they separated.  While it may have been a lot of pressure for Lisa Marie to be married to such a pop icon, we can't blame Michael entirely for this breakup.  She has been married 4 times (including a union with Nicholas Cage!) and announced in March that she is pregnant with a child to her fourth husband.  Also, did I mention she is the daughter of Elvis?  I think that alone guaranteed enough time in the spotlight to adapt to celebrity pressures.  


Here is a video I found on YouTube of the couple sharing a kiss onstage at the MTV Music Awards while they were still together. Note how comfortable LMP appears to be, and listen for what Michael says at the end.  Sorry MJ, but we were right!  So sad!




- Lindsay x

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Sunday, May 25, 2008

TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 5/25

This year American Idol has become even more of a staple in the lives of Americans.  This past week has sent much of the country into an Idol frenzy, so today's moment in music history is quite appropriate.  It was 3 years ago today that country music diva Carrie Underwood swooped down and stole the title of American Idol from fellow finalist Bo Bice.  As Simon Cowell suggested, she has since gone on to sell more records than any other contestant in Idol history.  Looks like Simon really is always right.


HAPPY 82nd BIRTHDAY, MILES DAVIS!


On this day in 1926, a jazz legend was born in Alton, IL.  Miles Davis was one of the most influential minds ever to grace the world of music.  His primary instrument was the trumpet, and he had the writing and improvisational skills of a God.  During his lifetime he worked with such musical greats as Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Tony Williams, Michael Jackson, and many others.  Davis passed away in Santa Monica, CA on Septempber 28, 1991 due to respiratory failure.  He was 65.


For a more in depth look into Davis' life and an un-censored commentary on the unfolding development of jazz, I highly recommend you check out Davis' autobiography, Miles.  It is a very graphic account of all things Davis went through during his life, both in and out of the spotlight, and does not hold back any information about fellow musicians; no matter how vile.



For a longer list of today's events in music history, check out Billboard.com.




IN LOVING MEMORY: 
Justin Warfield

Today is also the birthday of our dear friend Justin Warfield.  When I met him I could immediately sense his talent, and his genuine nature was undeniable.  Though he was taken from us far too soon, he has left a lasting impact on everyone he came in contact with.  A brilliant musician and sincere individual, Justin is sadly missed. 
 
You can hear some of his compositions on myspace.  He had not yet begun to scratch the surface of his extreme talent.


- Lindsay x

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FEATURED ARTIST 5/25/08: JEFF BUCKLEY

SO REAL: Jeff Buckley
Jenna Avery-Lawyer
Jeff Buckley never gave anything less than his whole being.  Every time we listen, we hear beautiful melodies that have us clutching at ourselves, trying not to fall apart. Enchanting seduction s that whisper of heavenly pleasures gained from sin.  Rebel cries that stretch and strain through our minds, snapping ourselves into awareness.  We are here.  Experiencing the raw emotion that hangs on every note, every breath.

I remember the time and place when I heard my first Buckley song.  I won't mention them now, because they are uninteresting, but the fact that I remember these details is the point.  The song I heard was "So Real".  I believe I was in 9th or 10th grade, trying to find something new.  I found Jeff Buckley, not knowing that he had already passed away.  I was ignorant of his existence prior to my listening experience, so I thought I had stumbled upon something fresh.

 Believe me, it was fresh.  I don't think I had ever heard anything like it.  It was so raw, with a controlled randomness.  The moment it started there was this feeling of something otherworldly swirling about.  It was mysterious, but still familiar.

He comes in like a whisper across your skin, personifying "love." "Love, let me sleep on your couch."  One might assume "Love" to be the nickname of a lover, but later lyrics hint at a deeper meaning.  Not only is this his love, it is love.  Love as an entity.  He invokes scents, sounds, and visions with his genius text painting.  "I remember the smell of the fabric of your simple city dress."  So simple, and yet he forces it to hold meaning.

"I love you, but I'm afraid to love you."  He whispers to all of us, to no one.  The chorus comes out of nowhere, blasting into our souls.  "Oh, that was so real!"  The transcendent vocals of Buckley tearing through the stratosphere as he soars higher and higher, climaxing.  It could speak of other climaxes as well.  Both sensually and tragically.  The ride is coming to an end, the grinding guitar ripping and shredding its way through the chorus, Buckley gliding through the rough instrumentation.  The heavy industrial interlude some might refer to as ugly only adds to the beauty.  The highs and lows of love.

Howling like a wild animal.  His love for Led Zeppelin shines through at times like these.  The perfected beautiful shrieking of Robert Plant-esque proportions.  Singing strategically just under the pitch at times to create a sense of standing at the precipice of something great.  If only we could just take that step.  We wait for a resolution that never comes.

It's winding down, it's ending.  I feel my heart lurch in my chest.  I don't want it to stop.  This song is holding me together.  I'm afraid of what might happen when it ends.  His words have torn me open, shredded my existence, and yet he's the only thing holding me together.  Relief.  I can feel it coming.  Brushing over me like cool hands.  They soothe my ravaged soul, making me whole again.  One person cannot feel this much all the time.  Jeff Buckley, however, lived every song as he sang them.  The only reason they affect us so, is because he made it possible.

I'm done.  I sit and stare, unmoving.  What just happened?  I feel alive and fresh.  Whole and beautiful.  I want to feel it again.  So I hit play and sit back, ready to endure it all again.


Here is the official music video for "So Real."



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The Walkup: A match made in...New York.

NEW MUSIC REVIEW:
The Walkup, Down on Pacific
Jenna Avery-Lawyer

Prepare to rock with The Walkup! This New York based group does not bring to mind visions of shining skyscrapers, but instead evokes scenes of sunny beaches crawling along the Pacific Coast. Their aptly named debut album, Down on Pacific, features ten tracks with a consistent quality throughout, setting the group up for a bright future.

Their debut album is the result of a unification of tastes among band members. Lead vocals are sung by Alex Koch; reminding me of Morrissey, but with a sunnier disposition. I can hear a smirk on his lips as he sings with a moody and pleading tone. Joining Koch's lead vocals and guitar are Sean Finnigan on lead guitar and vocals, Michael Petrucelly on drums, and newest member, Christopher Ayoub, on bass. These four have managed to capture a sound that is so popular these days, and turn it into something they can call their own. Vocals, enhanced by a slight echo effect, create the illusion of a live recording. These vocals are accompanied by chord progressions that straddle the line between East and West coast alternative rock. The album's opening track, "My Youth," does a great job of getting my feet tapping and head banging. It sets the tone for the rest of the record, as it is followed by more up-tempo tunes to keep the mood up in the room.

Creating a cohesive album is difficult, but essential. A thematic rhythm resonates throughout Down on Pacific, creating a sound I associate exclusively with the Walkup. They are successful in keeping the songs uniform, but not identical. The funky bass intro to "The Long Hours," done by Christopher "smooth as silk" Ayoub, screams for my attention immediately. The song continues to do so as the chorus begins. I find myself singing along with the catchy-as-hell
hook; rockin' out and banging my head like the rag doll they speak of.

The Walkup's music is heavy with sounds of their well-known, self-stated, influences. When "Conversation" came on, I thought I had accidentally started playing "London Calling," by the Clash. For me, sounding like the Clash is never a problem, as long as an original sound is still established. I was pleased to hear that the similarities did not carry through the entire tune. A heavy beat is sustained throughout the verse by the simple down-stroke strumming of one chord, and the steady, fast paced drumming of Petrucelly. The chorus enters; leaving that steady strumming behind, and instead developing into a heartsick alternative rock melody. Another surprise is the sudden appearance of a synthesizer, helping to build the song up to its climactic end. This is one of my favorites from the album, because it separates itself from the rest without losing uniformity.

The Walkup was able to establish their style and skills perfectly through their debut album, "Down on Pacific," helping them make their way into the spotlight. If they continue to release albums of this caliber, they will have cemented themselves into the music scene for life. The combination of the Beach Boys' party-time attitude, with the Smiths' moody and broody ways, is a match made in New York.


You can check out their music by visiting their myspace:

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