April 29, 2008
Free Music: Coldplay's "Violet Hill"
Following Radiohead's example, Coldplay (whom I like, or I wouldn't bother to mention this) is offering for free a new single called "Violet Hill". All you have to enter is an email, zip code and country of origin.
March 17, 2008
A St. Patrick's Day Treat
Well, looks like I know more people with some notoriety than I thought. The husband of a former teacher of mine is giving a Celtic guitar performance on WRFG FM Atlanta at 8:30 tonight! His name is Robert McMillan, and he is quite a gifted guitarist. Tune into the site to listen live at 8:30 EST.
And for your viewing enjoyment, check out this awesome custom guitar! (Click the picture to go to the seller's page.)
November 14, 2007
Famous Last Words: The Musical
Mental_floss Magazine and Blog can always be relied upon for great written humor using trivia, but they also have a talented filmmaker on their staff. Ransom Riggs wrote and directed this hilarious little film about famous last words. Funny and informative too. Check out his other stuff at youtube after you watch this one.
September 21, 2007
Theme Music for your Fantasy Reading
Sometimes when I read, I like to listen to music. I usually use soundtracks and they often play in such a way that they sort of fit with what is going in in the plot I'm reading (weird huh) but a friend recently turned me on to this band called Blackmore's Night.
A sort of updated Carmina Burana with electric guitar, the music is fun and upbeat. Candice Night has a great voice. Along with these more upbeat pieces, they also have some very slow and ethereal music.
Although it is very eighties in some ways, even my wife (who has very disparate musical tastes from mine) loves it! I think fantasy readers who enjoy listening to music while reading ought to look into this neat band.
August 08, 2007
Pandora Radio
If you haven't checked out Pandora Radio yet, you just gotta. It uses the music genome project to make sure that you only listen to music you like. Type in an artist or song and a radio station of that type of music will be created. Create several stations for different types of music. Kinda like the Netflix rating system, only better, you end up with music you'll enjoy listening to, determined by your preferences, not some radio DJ who is too attached to the top 40 pop standards.
A friend told me about it over the weekend, and it is great. Now I don't have to bring music to work, or rip CD's onto a work computer (which I shouldn't do), I can just enjoy good music all the live long day!
Best part of all, it is free!
March 13, 2007
Coffee Cantata
Part of the reason I love my wife so much is that she humors my strangeness. The random calling out of words for no particular reason being the most obvious (and friends from college will recognize that habit) but also my perverse interest in trivia.
So to humor me, at Christmas she bought me a calendar with a new trivia fact for each and every day of the year. I have loved it! I learned how David Bowie was the inspiration for magnetic poetry, the name of the murder capital of the world (which I forget now) and strange things about people I always knew of, but knew little about.
Today's (March 13)was the best I have seen so far. It describes how Johann Sebastian Bach (yes, the Bach) wrote an entire cantata celebrating coffee. Amazing!
According to my calendar, the story is of a young woman who loves to drink coffee (apparently in Germany in 1732 this was all the rage) but whose father requires her to give up coffee to get married. The daughter does so, but secretly vows to require her new husband to sign (sing?) a contract allowing her to drink as much coffee as she likes, after they are married.
Such quotes as "If I can't drink my bowl of coffee three times daily, then in my torment I will shrivel up like a piece of roast goat." and "Mm! how sweet the coffee tastes, more delicious than a thousand kisses, mellower than muscatel wine." will have any lover of coffee nodding their heads, I certainly was.
Who knew opera could be this cool?
The text of the libretto can be found after the jump. A must read, it's hilarious!
Recitative Narrator
Be quiet, stop chattering, and pay attention to what's taking place: here comes Herr Schlendrian with his daughter Lieschen; he's growling like a honey bear. Hear for yourselves, what she has done to him!
Aria Schlendrian
Don't one's children cause one endless trials & tribulations! What I say each day to my daughter Lieschen falls on stony ground.
Recitative Schlendrian
You wicked child, you disobedient girl, oh! When will I get my way? Give up coffee!
Lieschen
Father, don't be so severe! If I can't drink my bowl of coffee three times daily, then in my torment I will shrivel up like a piece of roast goat.
Aria Lieschen
Mm! how sweet the coffee tastes, more delicious than a thousand kisses, mellower than muscatel wine. Coffee, coffee I must have, and if someone wishes to give me a treat, ah, then pour me out some coffee!
Recitative Schlendrian
If you don't give up drinking coffee then you shan't go to any wedding feast, nor go out walking. Oh! when will I get my way? Give up coffee!
Lieschen
Oh well! Just leave me my coffee!
Schlendrian
Now I've got the little minx! I won't get you a whalebone skirt in the latest fashion.
Lieschen
I can easily live with that.
Schlendrian
You're not to stand at the window and watch people pass by!
Lieschen
That as well, only I beg of you, leave me my coffee!
Schlendrian
Furthermore, you shan't be getting any silver or gold ribbon for your bonnet from me!
Lieschen
Yes, yes! only leave me to my pleasure!
Schlendrian
You disobedient Lieschen you, so you go along with it all!
Aria Schlendrian
Hard-hearted girls are not so easily won over. Yet if one finds their weak spot, ah! then one comes away successful.
Recitative Schlendrian
Now take heed what your father says!
Lieschen
In everything but the coffee.
Schlendrian
Well then, you'll have to resign yourself to never taking a husband.
Lieschen
Oh yes! Father, a husband!
Schlendrian
I swear it won't happen.
Lieschen
Until I can forgo coffee? From now on, coffee, remain forever untouched! Father, listen, I won't drink any.
Schlendrian
Then you shall have a husband at last!
Aria Lieschen
Today even dear father, see to it! Oh, a husband! Really, that suits me splendidly! If it could only happen soon that at last, before I go to bed, instead of coffee I were to get a proper lover!
Recitative Narrator
Old Schlendrian goes off to see if he can find a husband forthwith for his daughter Lieschen; but Lieschen secretly lets it be known: no suitor is to come to my house unless he promises me, and it is also written into the marriage contract, that I will be permitted to make myself coffee whenever I want.
Trio
A cat won't stop from catching mice, and maidens remain faithful to their coffee. The mother holds her coffee dear. The grandmother drank it also. Who can thus rebuke the daughters?
March 07, 2007
The Bonnie Ship the Diamond
Yesterday in my post on Midshipwizard Halcyon Blithe, I mention the song "The Bonnie Ship the Diamond" one of my all-time favorite songs. Following are the lyrics, the chords, a history of the song, and a link to a clip of Wolfstone's awesome version. It's an Amazon page, so you'll need to scroll down to listen, but it's worth the effort.
The Bonnie Ship the DiamondLyrics
The Diamond is a ship me lads,
For the Davis Straits she's bound
And the Quay it is all garnished
With bonnie lassies round
Captain Thompson gives the order
To sail the ocean wide
Where the sun it never sets me lads
Nor darkness dims the sky.
And it's cheer up, me lads
Let your hearts never fail,
For the bonnie ship The Diamond
Goes a-fishing for the whale!
Along the quay at Peterhead
The lassies stand around
Wi' their shawls all pulled about them
And the salt tears runnin' down
Oh don't you weep, my bonnie lass,
Though you be left behind
For the rose will grow on Greenland's ice
Before we change our mind.And it's cheer up, me lads
Let your hearts never fail,
For the bonnie ship The Diamond
Goes a-fishing for the whale!Here's a health to The Resolution,
Likewise the Eliza Swan
Here's a health to the Battler of Montrose
And The Diamond ship of fame
We wear the trousers of the white
And the jackets of the blue
When we return to Peterhead,
We'll hae sweethearts enoo.And it's cheer up, me lads
Let your hearts never fail,
For the bonnie ship The Diamond
Goes a-fishing for the whale!It'll be bright both day and night
When the Greenland lads come hame
Wi' a ship that's fu' o' oil me lads
And money to our name
We'll make the cradles for to rock
And the blankets for to tear
And every lass in Peterhead
Sing hushabye my dear!And it's cheer up, me lads
Let your hearts never fail,
For the bonnie ship The Diamond
Goes a-fishing for the whale!
Chords: KEY Dm
verse:
Dm Am
Dm Am
Dm Am
C Dm
chorus:
Dm C
Dm Dm
Am Am
Dm Am
C Dm
Background: An old Scottish song popularized by The Corries. Over-fishing in the Greenland sea during the early 19th century had a devastating toll on the whale stocks. A new hunting ground, the South-West Fishery, was discovered in the region of the Davis Straits and it was mostly here that The Diamond fished. In 1830 The Diamond, Eliza Swan and The Resolution along with seventeen other whaling ships were caught in the ice of Melville Bay. The ships were lost and many sailors lost their lives.
January 19, 2007
Paul Reeves
At our church, we have a lot of talent in all sorts of places. Paul Reeves recently came on as assistant worship leader and leader of our Sunday Night Services called Charis. He has written his own music and has cut three albums. I like his sound a lot. It's very CCM, and heavily reliant on the guitar, but pleasant to listen to. We are fortunate to have him attending and leading our services.
These two tracks are from his latest album, Invitation, which is definitely his best yet. His sound has matured a great deal since the first album. Listen to the talent I get to enjoy often.
"Make believe you live in a world with no consequences
Do anything you like, we’ll all just turn our eyes blind
Was that a dream, or did we do that
Was that you, was that me, could we just make believe
It’s all over now, was it worth it
Tears come pouring down, well I deserve this"
December 28, 2006
Neave.tv
If you haven't seen neave.tv you have to go check it out. It's awesome! The videos are insane, especially the technological art ones. My brother-in-law found it and he and I loved watching it. It's like Animusic only much better! I didn't now you could do so many artistic things with technology. It's all very unusual stuff, but really neat to watch.
December 14, 2006
Spiderman Swing
Val and I love dancing swing to the Michael Buble song "Spiderman". Here's a very creative rendition with scenes from Spider-Man 2.
The actual music video is below.
November 07, 2006
Charis: Mighty to Save
I heard this song for the first time at Charis (our Sunday evening worship at Big Creek) and loved it. Listen and enjoy!
Song: Mighty to Save
When everyone needs compassion,
And love that never fails,
Let mercy fall on me
When everyone needs forgiveness,
Kindness of the Saviour
The Hope of the nation
(Chorus:)
Saviour, He can move the mountain,
My God is mighty to save,
He is mighty to save
Forever author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
So take me as you find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything that i’d believe in
Now i surrender (and i surrender)
(Chorusx2)
(Bridge:)
Shine a light in and let the whole world see
Singing, for the glory of the risen king
Jesus, Shine a light and let the whole world see
Singing for the glory of the risen king
(Chorus)
(Bridge:)
October 30, 2006
October 10, 2006
Dust in the Wind
Heard this on my way home from lunch. I thought that it seemed true, if you don't have Christ in your life. I know I felt that way several years ago, such that I was sick with it. The truth is that we are so much more than dust even if all we ever do is grasp for the wind (Ecclesiastes 2:11). No matter who we are or what we do, we have worth, to Christ.
September 11, 2006
Calvin Gangsta Rap
You have got to view the John Calvin Gangsta Rap. Hilarious!
Also, Derek Webb isn't the only one giivng away music, Jars of Clay is also in on the act, (even if they are not as generous).
August 16, 2006
January 24, 2006
The Jonny Diaz Band
On Sunday, we had a concert by The Jonny Diaz Band (pronounced with a long i) at our church. An independent band that is new to the Christian music scene, their style is reminiscent of Caedmon's Call or maybe Smalltown Poets. Although not to be found on the radio, you can hear the music on their website. The lyrics for my favorite (so far) "Come Child" are in the extended entry.
Most interesting of all, the drummer, Ryan Earnhardt, is a graduate of Covenant Christian School where I used to teach. He is amazing!
Jonny himself has written all of the songs (save only those used with permission). He is a former baseball player from a family of ballplayers. Two of his older brothers have played pro, one for the Angels and the other currently for the Braves. Yet, he has given up baseball for he knows not what. Jonny is pursuing his music, studying in college, and waiting on the Lord. His testimony is simple. He is a Christian from a family of Christians, grew up in the church, and loves God. Simple and neat, much like his songs. I wouldn't be surprised if you hear some of his music on the radio soon, perhaps even as part of your church's cotemporary worship songs.
Check out the website, maybe buy one of his two CDs. I bought both and love them. I will follow his musical career with great interest.
"Come Child"
by Jonny Diaz
Can I stay right here beside You
I don’t wanna leave right now
Cause I am feeling so alone,
And I really don’t know how
To get through this on my own
So I ask if You don’t mind
Can I stay here? Can I pray here?
And, lean on You a while
You said come child bring me your burdens.
Come child bring me your cares
Come child come, sit at my feet
You know your father is there
Will You hold my hand and tell me
That You know my suffering
And though I must go through it
You’ll go all the way with me
And together we can do it
If You help me to my feet
I can stand please hold my hand
And cling to me
Can I place my feet in footprints
That You’ve already made
I have no fear or worry
If I let You go ahead
I can make the journey
If You’ll lead me all the way
If You show me where to go
I will follow You and stay
Will You take me to the places where sorrow becomes sweet
As I cling to nail scarred hands and follow nail pierced feet
And if I leave the path and start to fall behind
If You just stop I will catch up and lean on You a while
January 19, 2006
Chicago the Musical
Val and I went and saw Chicago the Musical last week. I don't care what Christians say about it, it is a good musical. By the end, I didn't really even notice that most of the players were scampering around in their underwear. The music itself is awesome. I didn't always approve of the swearing, but the jokes, (while a little crude) were clever.
For certain sure, I won't ever go see it again. It does glorify sin, has crude humor and language, and the costumes are risque. Nonetheless I will not say I didn't enjoy it.
November 29, 2005
East Coast Swing Songs List
My wife and I have been teaching swing music at our church in preparation for the annual Christmas dance. This is a list of the songs we have been using. They are all clean and easy enough for beginners learning east coast swing.
A String Of Pearls Glenn Miller
In The Mood Glenn Miller
Don't Be Cruel Elvis Presley
Why Do Fools Fall In Love Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers
American Patrol Glenn Miller
Jump Jive An' Wail The Brian Setzer Orchestra
This Ole House The Brian Setzer Orchestra
Bei Mer Bist Du Schon Music From Swing Kids
Rock This Town (Original) The Brian Setzer Orchestra
Sing, Sing, Sing (With A Swing) Louis Prima
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy Bette Midler
Life Goes To A Party / Jumpin' At The Woodside
The Boogie Bumper Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Go Daddy-O Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Glenn Miller Medley Jive Bunny & The Master Mixers
Swing Sisters Swing Jive Bunny & The Master Mixers
Swing the Mood Jive Bunny & The Master Mixers
Crazy Little Thing Called Love Dwight Yoakam
(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear Elvis Presley & The Jordanaires
Footloose (From "Footloose") Kenny Loggins
I'm a Believer The Monkees
The Devil Is Bad W's
Grapefruit Diet "Weird Al" Yankovic
Come By Me Harry Connick, Jr.
Recipe For Love Harry Connick, Jr.
Rock Around the Clock Bill Haley & His Comets
Hound Dog Elvis Presley
Johnny B. Goode Elvis Presley
Rockin' Robin Michael Jackson
Why Do Fools Fall In Love Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers
Yakety Yak The Coasters
Twistin' the Night Away Sam Cooke
Jumpin' from 6 to 6 Colin James and the Little Big Band II
Jumpin' East of Java The Brian Setzer Orchestra
Next Door Blues Harry Connick, Jr.
Oh Babe Colin James and the Little Big Band II
It Dont Mean A Thing The Swingfield Big Band
Sing, Sing, Sing The Swingfield Big Band
In The Mood The Swingfield Big Band
Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers Red Nichols And His Five Pennies
Little Brown Jug The Swingfield Big Band
Chattanooga Choo Choo The Swingfield Big Band
Swinging Those Jingle Bells Fats Waller
Memphis Exorcism Squirrel Nut Zippers
Ancient Of Days Swing Praise
Sing Allelujah To The Lord Swing Praise
