The Mind Still Wobbles: Music

Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Our national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner. I'll start out by saying that I don't particularly think this is the best song to be our national anthem. Personally I'd like to see Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land" be the national anthem - the song's story is still relevant, it completely secular and most importantly it's singable.

But today I came across a post on Facebook about the way the Star Spangled Banner "should" be sung. The post indicated it should be like this

And that is beautiful...no question.

But see, here's the thing. According to The Smithsonian, "...there is no single official version of the anthem designated for civilian use." So, technically - barring messing up the actual lyrics - there is no "wrong" way to perform the anthem because there is no official "right" way. Of course, we've all seen horrid renditions of the anthem, especially at sporting events, but even though they're bad, I guess they're not wrong.

For me and many in my generation Whitney Houston's 1991 Super Bowl performance is the definitive interpretation.

Despite great controversy, for prior generations Jimi Hendrix's performance of the national anthem at Woodstock is the definitive one.

Jose Feliciano's version at the 1968 World Series was roundly criticized by the "establishment" - I think it's beautiful though...

And I love this Marvin Gaye performance at the 1983 NBA All-Star game

I like that there is no specific way the anthem has to be played. I think it allows for the anthem to remain relevant and "alive". While the "traditional" version will always give me goose bumps when played during the Olympics and similar events, other versions can give me goose bumps as well.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

25 Songs, 25 Days - Day 5

Today's prompt is "A Song That Is Often Stuck in Your Head". There are lots of those for me. Some I like and ssome I *hate*. This is one of the ones I like.

The one that started it all "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga! LOVE this song...still!

Friday, December 7, 2012

25 Songs, 25 Days - Day 4

Today's prompt is "A Song That Calms You Down".

I'm picking this one because it's one of my favorites, but really any medieval or Gregorian chant will do.

"Miracles of Compostela" by Anonymous 4.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

25 Songs, 25 Days - Day 3

Today's prompt is "A song that reminds you of one or both of your parents".

This was the was "my parents' song" - I think it was played at their wedding in 1952. It's one of my favorites.

"La Vie en Rose" by Edith Piaf.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

25 Songs, 25 Days - Day 2

Today's prompt is "A song that reminds you of your most recent ex-boyfriend".

"Dance Me to the End of Love" by Leonard Cohen.

This is such a beautiful song. Enjoy...

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

25 Songs, 25 Days - Day 1

I love these things...come do it with me. It's simple, post one song a day (the video if possible) per the prompt.

Today's prompt is A song from your childhood.

Setting aside all the "kid songs", the song I most associate with my young childhood is Petula Clark's "Downtown" because it's the first "grown up" song I remember.

Friday, November 23, 2012

The Lola Shuffle - The Black Friday Edition

image source

Moonglow by Rod Stewart - I love that he decided to perform American standards. Those clasic songs with his unique voice are a great combination. "Moonglow" has always been a favorite of mine since I was a little girl - there was a lot of big band music in my house growing up.

Crazy by Patsy Cline - What can be said about this song and this rendition that hasn't already been said? Perfection. I mean it's a great song regrdles of who sings it Willy Nelson's lyrics are poetry, and his version is great. But Patsy captures the wistful resignation that the lyrics talk about.

(Where Do I Begin) Love Story by Tony Bennett - Hmmm...I love Tony Bennett, and I really like the love Sotry theme. However, although Bennett's voice is as always wonderful, I prefer Andy Williams' version. Maybe it's because that's the one I heard first. But,come on! It's still Tony Bennett!

Still Crazy After All These Years by Paul Simon - Well, Lola decided to move up a decade or two. And what a great choice. Honestly, does Paul Simon have any *bad* songs? I mean - there may be some I like less than others, but still - his worst are still good.

Suavecito by Septeto Nacional de Ignacio Piñeiro (from he "Lost City" soundtrack) - Love, love, love this song! Written in 1925 by Cuban gem Ignacio Piñeiro, this is a classic in the Cuban "son" canon.

I'll Fly Away by Alison Kraus and Gilliam Welch (from the "Brother Where Art Thou?" soundtrack) - Both of these women have beautiful voices, but when they sing together it's a little bit of magic.

Just The Way You Are by Billy Joel - Doesn't everyone in love want to hear this from the one they love? And obviously it works best when it's a long time relationship.

Good Riddance (Time of You Life) by Green Day - definitely one of my favorite songs. There are so many apt moments or this song. I included the lyrics in the high school graduation cards for all of my friends' kids. I really do hope they have the time of their lives!

The Girl From Yesterday by The Eagles - Heartbreaking song! Kills me!
"The light's on in the window; she's waiting by the phone
Talking to a memory that's never coming home
She dreams of his returning
and the things that he might say
But she'll always be the girl from yesterday"
OMG - sob!

Luck Be a Lady by Frank Sinatra - Another classic! And no one sings this like Sinatra...that vocal swagger - perfect.

It seems Lola is in a nostalgic mood, she didn't shuffle up *any* songs from this century! Haha! That's OK - nostalgia's good.

I hope your Black Friday was sane and that the rest o the weekend is fantastic.