TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 6/15

How does it feel, Mr. Dylan?

To have recorded such a massive hit, on this very day?  

It was on this day, in 1965, that Bob Dylan recorded the phenomenon of "Like a Rolling Stone."  This cult classic made it to #2 on US charts, and #4 in the UK, and I'm sure it will be remembered by all for many decades to come.

Here is a live performance of the tune from 1966.  It's quite long, so take your bathroom break now.:

TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 6/15

FEATURED ARTIST 6/15/08- INGRID MICHAELSON

A First-hand Experience

Kristen Kozub

Early last summer, I was flipping through channels looking for something to watch, and nothing seemed to catch my interest. After about fifteen minutes of disinterested channel surfing, something stopped me dead in my tracks. On a local programming channel I had never even stumbled upon, I was captivated by a calypso-like drumline, a pleasant melody, and cute, witty lyrics—the sweet sounds of none other than Ingrid Michaelson. I didn't know it then, but I had just been introduced to someone who would quickly become one of my favorite musicians.  Anyone who knows me personally can attest to this.

What I was hearing was Michaelson's hit single, "The Way I Am," but in the days prior to the airwaves, Ingrid's face (and her music) were completely unfamiliar to me. I ravenously searched for her music and told everyone I knew about her. I instantly identified with her lyrics, as I'm sure almost anyone, particularly in my age group, would. They have an unbelievable innocence about them—one that seemed to fit my mood no matter what it was. Whether I just needed to sit and think, be distracted at work, or have a companion for long trips in the car, Ingrid's music was what I
would reach for. A year later, this remains true.

The best way I can think to describe her is a modern-day Joni Mitchell, but one with more innocence, and a gentler tone. There is something for everyone to relate to in her witty lyrics, whether it be the freshness and purity of "The Way I Am", childlike innocence of "The Hat", or heartbreaking fragility experienced in "Breakable".

On June 1, I was lucky enough to see Ingrid live, and my admiration for her more than tripled. The thing that was the biggest surprise for me was that not only were her lyrics witty, but she herself had the whole crowd laughing from start to finish. She seemed to know how to make the audience feel like they had known her for years, and she was doing nothing more than performing in their living room. She is on tour all summer, and if any of you get the chance to catch her, you will not be disappointed. It is impossible not to love the ukelele-strumming diva, whose fan base has grown at lightning speed. At age 28, she already has a lot under her belt, and most definitely has a bright future ahead.

Here is a tale of my concert experience:

It's a Sunday night on South Street in Philadelphia, and it's relatively quiet for an early summer evening, with the exception of the Theatre of the Living Arts, whose featured guest this evening is--you guessed it--none other than Ingrid Michaelson. Since she surfaced last summer, I have been a diehard fan, and although I was chomping at the bit for the performance, I had no idea just how fantastic it would be.

I had gone there expecting a show that was nothing short of stellar from the New York native, but what I wasn't expecting was to be laughing almost the entire time. I would highly recommend seeing her live, if only for the sole purpose of a good comedic musical performance. Her stage presence is unbelievable, leaving the crowd chuckling constantly, and leaving everyone feeling as if they have known her their whole lives.

As for the musical aspects of the performance, Michaelson's set included the hit "The Way I Am", and her newer single, "Breakable". She opened with "Die Alone", which seemed to wake the audience up, and appropriately announce her presence. One particular highlight was her performance of the upbeat single "The Hat", during which Ingrid proclaimed that she would be "unhappy and bitter" if anyone in the audience chose not to sing along. Fortunately, it was clear that neither performer nor audience was left in this state during this evening. Other song choices included "Overboard", "The Chain", "Keep Breathing", and "Giving Up", which many audience members recognized from the hit show Grey's Anatomy.

Not only did Michaelson's set list include favorites from both of her fantastic albums, Slow the Rain (2005), and Girls and Boys (2007), but impromptu performances of "Edelweiss," several television show themes, and even a few classical pieces, also graced our ears. Much to the delight of the audience, Ingrid broke into renditions of the Who's the Boss and Full House themes, along with a participatory Full House trivia game. Her sweet encore performance of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" practically had everyone eating out of the palm of her hand.

What made this show particularly spectacular was the combination of Michaelson's soft vocals, unsurpassed innocence, and sense of humor. It was these elements, along with the occasional addition of her ukulele, that made the performance one that was undoubtedly human-- one you should make a point to see this summer. I left that venue feeling as if I had known her for years. Her love of performing was evident, as was her connection with her band, particularly "musical sister" Allie Moss, who was a wonderful addition to the ensemble. With voice colors similar to that of Ingrid's, she was the perfect complement.

The first opening act consisted of Philadelphia- born George Stanford, whose debut album Big Drop hit stores this past Tuesday. Stanford's vocals had a rough quality, but not in a negative sense. He was a pleasant opening to the evening, particularly with the song "Downriver", which had a especially interesting guitar accompaniment.

Following Stanford was the up and coming Greg Laswell, who will be touring with Ingrid for the entire run of her tour. His melancholy lyrics, gentle tone, and beautiful piano lines, make him someone worth scoping out. For a taste of Laswell's sound, check out the single "What a Day". Greg's debut album, How the Day Sounds, is available on Vanguard Records.

If you get a chance to catch Ingrid (and Greg) in the coming months, you will not be left disappointed. It was clear that Philadelphia is near and dear to her heart, as it was her first performance spot outside her hometown. 

Watch out for the possible "wedding tour" she spoke of, in which audience members will have to attend wearing tuxedos and ball gowns. It is amazing how much Ms. Michaelson's fan base has expanded, just in the last year alone, and she will surely be a face we see frequently in the coming months.

Ingrid Michaelson's MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ingridmichaelson

FEATURED ARTIST 6/15/08- INGRID MICHAELSON

Knock Knock... Who's there? SHEER TERROR.

NEW MOVIE REVIEW
The Strangers

RELEASED: May 30, 2008
Jenna Avery-Lawyer

My heart was not able to relax throughout this entire film, nor was my sphincter. I'm just saying I was tense, extremely so, and was also scared shitless.

I'd begun to lose hope in horror flicks. They all seem so uniform, and tend to lean towards a boring mediocrity that appears to have become the norm for scary movies these days. The Strangers does not fall into this category. Instead of lumping it with recent films such as One Missed Call or Boogeyman, which fit the genre of boring and predictable horror, I would instead compare it to Rob Zombie's films House of a 1000 Corpses and Devil's Rejects. It is brutality at its best. There is nothing scarier than real people destroying real people, especially, when they wear eerie white masks.

Brutality without a visible motive, and torture with no apparent escape, create the scariest feeling of all; Hopelessness. I was reminded of a movie released a few months ago, Funny Games. That movie showcased pointless violence, with no resolution in sight. Ironically enough, that supposedly pointless movie was made with the intent to make a point. People like violence. They like to watch it. They like to pretend to look away as they cringe at the inhumanity of it all. Even though these movies featured similar plots, the outcome was completely different. While Funny Games amused and intrigued me, The Strangers successfully made me uncomfortable with fear.

There is a rather long set up between the brutalized couple, played by Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman, that may stretch just a bit too long. However, the lengthy set up between the two only helps build tension, and it made me even more anxious knowing that they had relationship problems.

Slowly, very slowly, it builds until that initial knock on the door. I never knew a knock on a door could be so horrifying. The couple is toyed with for about 60 minutes by the three masked assailants (it felt longer though). It got to the point where I felt like I was submitting myself to voluntary torture. I was willingly making myself uncomfortable by watching this movie.

Now the question arises: Was it good? I think I have sufficiently stated that the film was indeed horrifying, but was it good? I would have to say yes, it was. The quality of acting was fine, and the camera work didn't go unnoticed. It was like the camera itself was a character, following these poor people, but unable to help them.

I suggest seeing The Strangers in theaters. Those masked figures might not seem as terrifying on a TV. Plus, the audience adds personality to the room that becomes infectious. I don't think I'd watch it again. Not because it was bad, but because once is definitely enough.

Here is the official trailer:

Knock Knock... Who's there? SHEER TERROR.

YO YO MAMMA

Here is the latest addition to Bushwalla's "WTF" series...

Episode 6: Yo Yo Mamma

YO YO MAMMA

TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 6/14

She's got a Ticket to Ride: as luggage

Today, in 1964, a group of railway workers stumbled upon something very curious on the station platform...

...a tea chest carrying more than the typical contents. Instead, a 12-year-old girl named Carol Dryden was crammed into the chest, which donned a label addressed to The Beatles.

Here's some live footage of The Beatles performing "Ticket to Ride."  You can get a fairly good idea of the hysteria they instilled in young girls, and maybe understand with greater ease why little Carol wedged herself into luggage to be with the icons. :

TODAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: 6/14

Bring on the Waves, and start the Riot!

NEW MUSIC REVIEW:

6 Day Riot, Bring on the Waves

Jenna Avery-Lawyer

The UK tidal force, 6 Day Riot, defines their genre of Folk Pop, and possibly creates a genre of their own; Gypsy Acoustic. Their lyrics read like poetry, and are open to the interpretation of the listener. Because of the versatility in their words, many meanings can be realized when listening to these beautiful slices of the old world.

The four tracks featured on their Myspace, from their 2008 EP, Bring on the Waves, showcase a darker, more introspective tone than their previous recordings on the 2007 release of Folie a Deux. While they have taken on a serious tone with the slightly deeper lyricism, they still maintain a joy that is prominent throughout the four tracks. I sense a theme that is based on battles and victories. Whether it is joy for joys sake, or the joy of resistance, they are ever-smiling.

An almost discordant ukulele enters as the song “Gerald the Glider” begins. Its upbeat tempo brings excitement, while the melody sparks unrest. Tamara Schlesinger sings with a clear and pure sound. I believe there to be religious contexts related to the song, especially with the lyric “Together we stand, together we pray. More hands than faces in this world we did create.” Although, the following chorus, “But don’t stray, stay tied to this wire of mine,” makes me think she is being ironic. This is what is great about 6 Day Riot- so many meanings can be found within one simple song.

“The Last Stand” is an epic send off, and doesn’t shy away from the theme of battle. The band is marching in their gypsy army, off to defend the honesty of their music. The profound trumpet sounds, while the militant percussion steadily holds its rhythm; both announcing the impending battle. The Spanish horn paints an image of a stand-off at sunset. Orange and red lights shine on the desperado they have created with their sound. It’s now or never. They unite as one voice, linking arms to create a wall of sound. They fade with the sun as it disappears behind the horizon.

Based on the four sample tracks 6 Day Riot has featured on their Myspace, I can confidently say the EP, Bring on the Waves, will do just that. They will rock the boat, but manage to keep everyone on board smiling. Witty lyrics and their acoustic, old world charm will instantly win over listeners for life.

BAND MEMBERS: 

Tamara Schlesinger: vocals, guitar, ukulele, tenor guitar, glock,
Caspar Riis: acoustic guitar, electric guitar, vocals
John Beyer: double bass, guitar, vocals
Daniel Deavin: drums, percussion, shouting
Andy Watts: trumpet, guitar, percussion, vocals

On the recordings and sometimes joining us live:
Sophie Loyer: violin, saw
Sean O'Brien: accordion  

Stay tuned for more about 6 Day Riot, as we will be featuring the band sometime in July.

6 Day Riot...the MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/6dayriot

Here is some live footage of 6 Day Riot performing their track, "Sky Father," which can also be heard on their Bring on the Waves EP:

Bring on the Waves, and start the Riot!

6/10- CLASSICAL DELIGHTS

a column by

Kristen Kozub

Susan Graham: Songs of Ned Rorem

Often times, when we think of composers who have contributed to the musical world, we think of names including-- but not limited to-- Bach, Beethoven, Debussy, Chopin, and Mozart. Although prolific, not one of these composers was American, or has lived in the last century.  In recent years, recognition for contemporary American composers has dwindled. With that said, allow me to bring to your attention the song stylings of American composer, Ned Rorem (1923 - ). For years, Rorem's gorgeous song settings have been incessantly praised.  Mezzo-soprano Susan Graham is added to the mix, resulting in the 2000 release of Songs of Ned Rorem, featuring Malcolm Martineau on piano and the Ensemble Oriol string quartet. This 32-track compilation is sure to be a delight for all who choose to give it a listen.

What is it, you ask, that make Rorem's compositions so distinctly beautiful? At the start of the first track, "Sonnet", the listener will understand why he receives the praise he does. Featuring the entire ensemble, this piece exhibits an unparalleled delicacy, and transports to a place of musical bliss. Of course, the compilation is only a taste of the hundreds of compositions that have graced the world over the last half a century or so, but the ones on this disc are undoubtedly an excellent representation. Much of the time, composers use the same compositional techniques, resulting in similar-sounding songs. While Rorem's work is distinctly his, each of the tracks has something specific that sets it apart from the others.

As far as the text is concerned, Rorem has chosen a group of lyric poetry whose themes seem to center on death, love, nature, and the passage of time. A good majority of the poets are American, but, interestingly enough, the chronological gap is quite large.  Rorem features poetry spanning from the Elizabethan era to Walt Whitman. His chosen texts (and his music, for that matter) are stunningly, sometimes startlingly, dazzling, and honest.

Upon first listen, it is quite obvious that Rorem draws much of his inspiration from setting. Having spent much of his life in both New York and Paris, these two places seem to recur frequently throughout his compositions. The third track, "Early in the Morning", is often hailed as Rorem's most famous work.  The text, by Robert Hillyer, paints a tourist's picture of Paris. Similarly, the twentieth track, "The Lordly Hudson", uses a backdrop of the majestic Hudson river.

Mr. Rorem could not have picked a better vessel for his work than the lovely Susan Graham. In recent years, Ms. Graham has become one of the most acclaimed and sought-after mezzo-sopranos of our time. Her milky, rich tone enhances the music in ways no one else's possibly could. As with many of her other works, she executes the songs beautifully, making them seem effortless. Even twenty or thirty tracks in, it is impossible to tire of her voice and what she brings to the music. Martineau and the chamber ensemble deliver a sparkling performance as well.  

Some listeners may find a few of the tracks on this disc rather abrupt, as some of them last only thirty seconds or less. Many times, however, their brevity is appropriate, and directly relative to the texts. 

Other highlights include a setting of Walt Whitman's "Look Down, Fair Moon", and Robert Frost's "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"; perhaps the most beautiful setting of it I have ever heard. In both pieces, Rorem establishes setting with excellent use of the piano. The unpredictable melodic lines are sure to leave the listeners with something different to sink their teeth into.

Rorem brings an unprecedented eloquence to the field; one that is sure to stand the test of time.  This compilation serves as a fantastic taste of Rorem's work, and an excellent example of a prolific contemporary American composer. If nothing else, consider it as a great way to brush up on British and American poetry. For something that will leave you enlightened and enchanted, I encourage you to seek out this collection.

Track Listings for Songs of Ned Rorem:

1. Sonnet [Bynner] 
2. Clouds [Goodman] 
3. Early In The Morning [Hillyer] 
4. The Serpent [Roethke] 
5. Now Sleeps The Crimson Petal [Tennyson] 
6. Opus 101 [Bynner] 
7. I Strolled Across An Open Field [Roethke] 
8. To A Young Girl [Yeats] 
9. Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair [after Foster]
10. Ode [de Ronsard]
11. For Poulenc [O'Hara] 
12. Littlle elegy [Wylie] 
13. Alleluia
14. Look Down, Fair Moon [Whitman] 
15. O You Whom I Often And Silently Come [Whitman] 
16. I Will Always Love You [O'Hara]
17. The Tulip Tree [Goodman]
18. The Wintry Mind [Bynner]
19. I Am Rose [Stein] 
20. The Lordly Hudson [Goodman] 
21. O Do Not Love Too Long [Goodman]
22. Far - Far - Away [Tennyson]
23. For Susan [Goodman] 
24. A Journey [Glaze] 
25. Sometimes With One I Love [Goodman]
26. Love [Lodge] 
27. Orchids [Roethke] 
28. Stopping By The Woods On A Snowy Evening [Frost] 
29. Do I Love You More Than A Day [Larson]
30. Ferry Me Across The Water [Rossetti] 
31. The Sowers [Bynner] 
32. That Shadow, My Likeness [Whitman] 

Here is a video featuring Susan Graham's recording of "Look Down, Fair Moon."

6/10- CLASSICAL DELIGHTS

FEATURED ARTIST 6/8/08: JASON MRAZ

A Look into the Mind of Mraz.

Lindsay Van Osten

Live High.
Live Mighty.
Live Righteously.

These are simple words, and yet the concepts behind them are filled with such complexities. The one passion in my life which has led me to empowerment in all of these areas is music.

I am very close to receiving my Bachelor of Music degree from Westminster Choir College, but I have been a musician all my life. I began taking piano lessons when I was 6, and have sung ever since I could phonate. I live and breathe through music, as I'm sure many of you do, and I am commonly drawn to others who do the same. Because of this, Jason Mraz has turned out to be my perfect match. I have gained far more from his ideas than those of almost any other musician. I had heard some of his music back in high school, when his song "The Remedy" was viciously battling John Mayer's "Your Body is a Wonderland," but other than that I hadn't really paid much attention to the phenomenon that was Mraz.  I was re-introduced to his music last Spring (2007) by Jenna, who came into my dorm room insisting that I watch the "Geek in the Pink" video, so I did.  Repeatedly.

Here it is, in all of its funktastic glory.  My favorite part is when he is swinging the cotton candy.  If you aren't dancing by that point, then you're a square. :

Needless to say, after living with that loop of greatness for hours, I was addicted to Mraz, and by some act of God it was announced that he was scheduled to play at my school just a few weeks after my miraculous re-discovery.  The original act that was rumoured to be playing was Ben Folds.  That obviously never worked out, and even though I am quite a fan of Folds, I can't say I was terribly disappointed by the replacement.  The show was wisely scheduled during finals week, but I held together and went.  I'm sure my grades suffered because of my decision, but you'd never hear me say I regret it.  

When I first embarked on this feature, I almost felt stupid. "Who doesn't know Jason Mraz?" I asked myself.  I am shocked to find out that the answer is: a lot of people.  Jason Mraz is not just a talented musician, but an amazing man.  He uses musical ideas to entertain, but also to illustrate an entire state of mind.  Mraz has helped me completely transform my life, and I'm sure his ideas will help change yours as well...as long as you learn to live by his motto: Live high.  Live mighty.  Live Righteously.  Let's break this down, shall we?

Live High.

While it is very possible/probable that Mraz meant this line quite literally, I would go out on a limb and say that it can also be interpreted as a musical high.  A Jason Mraz concert is a very freeing experience; one that most certainly taught me to "live high."  I had not listened to very much of his music before I was engulfed in my first live show, so that night I was blasted with a large dose of both passion and witticism.  All of his music is deeply rooted in emotion and his songs showcase his lyrical brilliance.  These intensely personal connections with the audience are dressed up with feel good melodies that somehow leave the listener feeling uplifted.  

This April (2008), I was able to see him live again, during his "Music, Magic, & Makepeace Tour."  The shows sold out within seconds (I am not exaggerating) of the presales, and somehow I was quick enough to get tickets.  Jenna and I stood in line for hours the day of the concert to ensure we were close to the stage.  (not that I don't wedge myself up to the front regardless...but still...)

Here is the only picture I was able to snap of him before he went into the building.  I was on the phone at the time, and was too flustered to take more! :

Kristen arrived, and shortly after, we were let in.  I've been to a fair amount of shows recently, but none like this.  What you need to understand is that the "Music, Magic, & Makepeace Tour" did not supply the audience with a concert, but instead with an EVENT.  The show lasted for almost 5 hours.  It was amazing.  Once Jenna finishes battling with YouTube I will link some footage.

Mraz has taken his fine self overseas for the time being, so most of you will not be able to catch a show anytime soon.  For now you will just have to get high off of his recordings.

Begin by watching this video. "Cannabis College" is a cult classic:

Live Mighty.

All I can tell you is to read his blog.  He started posting in September, but it took me until sometime over Winter break to find it.  I was lying in my bed surfing the internet mindlessly, hungry for meaning in anything I could find; and there it was.  If you do mosey on over to the good ole freshness factor five thousand, I recommend that you start at the beginning and work your way to the present.  You get a really good sense of who Jason may be.  

What does this have to do with "living mighty," you ask?  Everything.  While Mraz's writing is incredibly quirky, and a joy to read, the depth in his thoughts is undeniable.  Reading it is like a crash course in empowerment.  Almost every entry details a piece of the puzzle that has helped him improve his lifestyle and state of mind.  The vibe of the style of writing itself is refreshing, and every time I leave I am left with this aftertaste of "YES, I CAN!"  It's a good feeling.

Here is a link to all the ridiculous goodness I've been spouting about:  http://freshnessfactorfivethousand.blogspot.com

What could possibly be more empowering than a freestyle?  Watch Mraz and Bushwalla work their magic:

Live Righteously.

Something I have touched on briefly elsewhere on this webzine is Jason Mraz's eco-savvy ways.  He teaches us to live righteously by caring about ourselves and our Mother Earth.  He talked about this a lot while he was on tour, as we watched him quench his thirst via an array of water bottles.  (If you scroll up and look at the pic I took when he was arriving at the show, you will see him decked out in his water bottle gear.)  His entire tour was focussed on staying green, and those SIGG bottles were only a small part of how he made this happen.

Mraz is also a strong supporter of eco-friendly clothing.  Most of the shirts you will ever see him in come from a company called Blend Apparel.  A lot of their goods are made from 100% Bamboo Fiber.  If you want to jump on this train of ultimate green-ness, please do.  Their designs are hip, and their prices aren't too shabby either.

Here is a link to their MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/blendapparel 

(I'm just a big fan of that picture.)

There is so much left to be said about Jason Mraz, but like all good things, this feature must come to an end.  Make sure you check him out if you haven't already.

Here is the video for his latest single, "I'm Yours," from his newest record, We Sing.  We Dance.  We Steal Things., in stores now!!!

Jason Mraz...the MySpace: 

http://www.myspace.com/jasonmraz

Jason Mraz...the official site: 

http://www.jasonmraz.com

FEATURED ARTIST 6/8/08: JASON MRAZ

WE'RE ON FACEBOOK!!!

So friend us!  

Also be sure to FAN OUR PAGE!

http://rider.facebook.com/pages/the-RED-BANANA/16048977380?ref=share

WE'RE ON FACEBOOK!!!