Saturday, May 31, 2008
Monthly Wrap-Up: MAY
TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 5/31
TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 5/31
5/31- CLASSICAL DELIGHTS
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
5/31- CLASSICAL DELIGHTS
Unfold with Marié Digby.
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, 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
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":
Unfold with Marié Digby.
"So you think you can dance!": Chapter 1
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!
"So you think you can dance!": Chapter 1
TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 5/30
DAVID BOWIE LAUNCHES "GLASS SPIDER" WORLD TOUR!
TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 5/30
Friday, May 30, 2008
FREE ITUNES- WEEKLY DOWNLOAD
FREE ITUNES- WEEKLY DOWNLOAD
Thursday, May 29, 2008
TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 5/29
"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
TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 5/29
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 5/28
TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 5/28
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
WE'RE NOW ON MYSPACE!!!
TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 5/27
TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 5/27
Indiana Jones...or Indiana Drone?
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.
Indiana Jones...or Indiana Drone?
Monday, May 26, 2008
The Doctor's in the House!
The Doctor's in the House!
TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 5/26
A SURPRISE CELEBRITY WEDDING!
TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 5/26
Sunday, May 25, 2008
TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 5/25
TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 5/25
FEATURED ARTIST 5/25/08: JEFF BUCKLEY
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.
FEATURED ARTIST 5/25/08: JEFF BUCKLEY
The Walkup: A match made in...New York.
The Walkup: A match made in...New York.