Labor Day Listening & Beyond

Post #2 for the Fall (sure doesn't feel like Fall - soon enough).

Aretha Franklin - "Think" - This is a very early version of a woman empowerment song. Aretha's vocals are powerful, but the message is even more powerful, as it speaks to making a stand about how she feels she is being treated. This song, and songs like this, led the way to songs now that speak of strong, powerful women who know that they have OPTIONS in the world and they are only limited by the artificial limits they may place on themselves (or by society, sadly). (Chris Hakala)

Alicia Keys - "Girl on Fire" -  There is ENERGY and FIRE in this song. (Betsy Rosenblum) - Ms. Keys, while not sounding much like Aretha Franklin, also is a fine pianist and possessed of quite the pliable voice. This is certainly a 21st century Pop tune mining the social commentary of other songs such as "Brave" (Sara Bareilles) and "Roar" (Katy Perry) plus it sounds great really loud. (Editor)

BTS - "Fire" - BTS is a South Korean group that gained a lot of popularity worldwide and was the first South Korean group to make it to both the Billboard top 200 and perform at the AMAs. This is an older song of theirs but it's one of their more popular "classics". (Megan Winslow)
 (Editor's note - you'll notice the heavy influence of American music on this and other "foreign" songs/videos.)

The Who - "Pinball Wizard" - Daniele Dugre-Martin suggested this song from the Rock Opera "Tommy." Peter Townsend, leader and main songwriter of the British quartet, has been playing around with the idea of an extended song cycle since the early days of the band. In fact, his first attempt appeared on the band's second album "A Quick One".  "Tommy" is a fascinating experiment and one could argue endlessly whether Townsend succeeded  (his 1973 opera "Quadrophenia" was much better realized).  This song however is classic Who.  The percussive acoustic guitar opening, John Entwistle's thundering yet melodic bass and Keith Moon's explosive drumming, all frame one of Roger Daltrey's more articulate vocals.  (Editor)

Simon & Garfunkel - "The Boxer" - Thomas Williams chose this song and I concur.  By the time the duo recorded this song (late 1968 - released as a 45 rpm in March 1969), Paul Simon was well on his way to being one of the finest songwriters/storytellers of his generation.  On top of that, his partnership with producer Roy Halee taught him the joys of the studio.  Note the use of several acoustic guitars, the bass harmonica, the firecracker sound from the drums on the chorus (supposedly recorded in an empty New York City church), and the layered vocals.  Shout out to the amazing harmonies of Art Garfunkel, one of the prettiest voices in "folk-rock." While we may not understand the intent of Simon's story, the power of the music makes us pay closer attention. (RBK)

Paul Simon - "Can't Run But" - First move forward to 1990. Paul Simon has just struck worldwide gold with "Graceland", his wonderful if controversial that began life in the townships of South Africa before the death of apartheid. His next album "The Rhythm of the Saints" took to Brazil to record many fine Brazilian musicians including vocalist Milton Nascimento and the "roots" ensemble Uakti. He brought the songs home and added a number of  other musicians, from jazz soloists to the South African musicians who had become part of his touring ensemble.  While not as "popular" as its predecessor, the album remains my favorite Simon to this day.

Here we go to present day - on Friday September 7, Paul Simon releases "In The Blue Light", a collection of 10 songs from throughout his career, pieces he felt the need to reinvestigate, to re-record with new arrangements and personnel.  "Can't Run But" first appeared on the 1990 album and, as you will hear below, moves at quite a pace with percussion of all sorts pushing the music forward.  The song is on the new album as well - here, the majority of the percussion instruments are replaced by the musicians from the "new music" chamber ensemble yMusic.  Listen to how they replicate the rhythms of the original with delightful melodic twists throughout.  (RBK)

First, the 1990 version:



And now we move to 2018:



Enjoy and thanks for stopping by!

Welcome to the Fall 18 Semester

Summer has zipped on by and it's time to get back to the fun at QU. This blog started in the Spring of the year with the hope that people of all different backgrounds would chat about what they are listening (and why).  Here we go!

Today (8/25) is the Centennial Celebration of Leonard Bernstein who wrote the music for "West Side Story". "Maria" is one of those songs with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and was published in 1956. In the movie, the song is sung by the lead character Tony when he learns the name of the girl he's fallen in love with is "Maria". The name "Maria" is spoken or sung in the song 29 times. It begins in B major and then modulates to E-flat major. (Wikipedia)
The song is widely known for its use of the melodic interval of a tritone in the main theme. The song is an example of the use of Lydian mode, which is the same as the major scale but with a raised 4th, giving the tritone characteristic of this piece. (Joe Gaffney)

Don McLean - "Vincent" - This is such a hauntingly beautiful song. The main theme is of understanding and acceptance. Makes me think when I hear it! (Chris Hakala - Happy first full year at Springfield College!)

Need I tell you that this song is about Vincent Van Gogh, the brilliant 19th Century painter who led such a tortured life?  I agree with Chris that this is such lovely song plus it has held up well over the decades. (Editor)

Neil Cicierega - "Wow Wow" -  (And now for something completely different) - Neil Cicierega is an individual of interest to me. Most of his music is mashing two songs together that are of completely different styles (many of which sound quite strange). However, this mashup I quite enjoy to listen to. He gave a TED Talk, and that is when I really started to appreciate his work as a creator. I also learned that he was the creator of Harry Potter Puppet Pals, which was an extremely popular video (at least for kids) when it came out. (Megan Winslow)

Aretha Franklin - "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman" - It’s a tribute to my husband Michael. Aretha sings what my heart feels. And I know she sings what’s in the heart of every woman who loves. (Betsy Rosenblum)

Ms. Franklin left a body of work second to few.  Most people forget how important her piano was to her performances as sitting there for even one song settled her down and allowed her to open up that amazing voice.  She had there ability to take a song associated with another singer and make it her own ("Spanish Harlem", "Respect") - I can not think of any modern singer who can do that. (Editor)

Owl Jensen - "I Love to Singa" - (and something else completely different) - We are nothing if not equal opportunity people here at the blog: when Siggy Nystrom suggested this song, I looked it up on Youtube and, of course, it was there.  One (especially your patient and accepting editor) would love to believe that this sweet little tune will carry you through the first week of classes with a smile on your face and the melody stuck in your head.  Walk past her classroom and belt it out at the top of your lungs - then scram because security is bound to come and take you away (ha! ha!)

Lara Downes and Kevin "K.O." Olusola - "Something's Coming" -  Back to "West Side Story" to close out this post. Earlier this year, classical pianist Lara Downes released a tribute to Maestro/Composer Bernstein titled "For Lenny." A collection of solo dedications from different composers as well as selected works by him, the album also featured several duets.  The one posted here opens the album.  "K.O." is the "beat box" person in the a cappella quintet Pentatonix - he's also an accomplished rapper, vocalist, and cellist.  As a human drummer, he's flat-out amazing.  Ms. Downes is not only is an delightful pianist but also an essayist and activist. She tours throughout the US and Europe playing several different programs of pieces by American composers. Take a look and a listen.  (RBK)



I'll have more to post later this week; in the meantime, enjoy this pastiche!