“Nice Day” Persphone’s Bees …SOUNDS LIKE… “Riding on the Metro” Berlin.
Not throughout but in a few places you hear the same vocal progression.
Author Archives: Duff
Things to Think About from the Reader’s Fall Book Issue.
- Sci fi by “James TipTree”
- “James Tiptree, Jr.: The Double Life of Alice B. Sheldon” by Julie Phillips
- “The Echo Maker” by Richard Powers
- “Sharp Objects” by Gillian Flynn (EW’s TV writer – I already bought this one, it’s in the queue.)
In Concert: Joan Baez.
To say it was breathtaking would be an understatement. She was beautiful and erudite and every bit as relevant as when she sang protest songs in the ’60s.
She did an a capella version of Finlandia that was just heart-rending. She sang old, old folk songs, and newer ones; even ones so new that she didn’t know the lyrics by heart yet. She sang songs by Merle Haggard, and Steve Earle (“Christmas in Washington” which I’ve never heard before and now MUST find a copy of), and of course by Bob Dylan. She even did a Dylan song (It’s all over name, Baby Blue”) where she sang a few verses in an imitation of Bob Dylan’s voice! So funny! She sang a song she wrote for her son, thinking about them together on a trip to Hawaii, called “Coconuts” that has since taken on all sorts of other meanings and has some truly hilarious double-entendres.
She had two young male musicians playing with her who both appeared extremely talented, and both blended into the background as the perfect complements, stepping up for solos / harmonies / etc. when needed. She said “It took me until I’m in my 60s to finally assemble a band that’s low maintenance!”
She had played Grinnell College the night before and said she wound up giving a history lesson as no one in the audience had even been born when she started out (her career started 48 years ago). She introduced one song by saying “Last night, I said “I played this song at Woodstock” and the crowd went wild. Some of the people in TONIGHT’s audience were actually around back then….”
It was an amazing concert. I can only hope I am as full of vim and vigor when I turn 65.
(Yes, some of this is a repeat of a post on the main blog. But that post won’t stick around for long, and this one will.)
Paolo Nutini, wherever did you get that voice?
Recommended by my good friend Evan, paparazzo extraordinaire and music lover, I recently got this EP off iTunes.
- “Jenny, Don’t Be Hasty” – Old-Stones type of sassy. Gravely edge to his voice here. Has an old time rock/blues swing to it.
- “Last Request” – Big thick vocals. This skinny scottish boy is not what you picture when you listen to this song with your eyes closed. And you don’t picture a 19 year old either! Bittersweet melancholy, begging for just one last time…
- “These Streets” – Folky/pop acoustic background, with an almost Reggae-like rhythm to the vocals.
- “New Shoes” – Rockabilly. A zippa-de-do-dah, chase the blues away tune.
Recommended by moi aussi.
In Concert: Indigo Girls
This is the 7th or 8th time I’ve seen them live — I’ve lost track — but the first time in at least 10 years. So I didn’t know many of the new songs the concert was front-loaded with. But the old stuff sounded sweet as always. Their live show just FILLS UP THE ROOM no matter where they play.
And the crowd involvement on the oldies was loud, in tune, and uplifting. And gave even the performers huge grins on their faces.
DVD: The Brothers Grimm.
Confusing. Convoluted. Creepy.
All three of us lost track of the plot multiple times and at least one of us wasn’t looking at a craft in her lap most of the movie, so I don’t think you can blame it on lack of attention.
In Concert: Citizen Cope.
Sadly boring in concert. Slowed down, droning on and on, every song sounds the same. He’s really good looking, IF YOU IGNORE THE HAIR. But better to listen to at home.
Album: Jet “Shine On”
There are moments that are way, way, way too Oasis-like and anthem-stereotypic.
But then there are songs like ‘Eleanor” with its Beatles-esque sweetness and light and the harmonies on “All You Have to Do” especially that slow descending “Ah…ah.” And I forget all about the Oasis crap that was bugging me earlier.
Big Screen: Marie Antoinette.
Loved it (man I’m easy sometimes).
Loved the costumes and the pageantry and the yummy yummy food. I was so hungry afterward, filled with longings for cakes and pies and tarts and eclairs and perhaps a jar of frosting to eat with my fingers.
Thought Kirsten Dunst was really good (I also like her in Wimbledon, although in general I really don’t like her and there are a number of movies she has totally skeeved me out in).
Overall, a tremendous feeling of sadness. Her life became so barren, so lonely and alone and full of distrust and gossip…
Really well done.
Lyric of the Day.
There’s nothing left to eat in this house / but your heart.
–from “Rich Wife” by The Long Winters