Let's have a shuffle adventure, like only my iPod can provide... I've over 18,000 tracks on this thing, so let's see what this train journey throws at me!
I've turned off the Aqualung album (their last one, strong but lacking the warmth of the others), and my first track is...
Leonard Cohen, If It Be Your Will
I knew a lot of Cohen tracks, before I was finally encouraged (by a former colleague) to buy some. I bought this CD in New York on a business trip, and recall listening to a lot of this while in the U.S. (probably great environment for it).
I'm always a big fan of harmonies, even if they're as brutal as Cohen's (with the ladies singing in the background) - you're pulled through the harmony, sometimes, like being pulled through a hedge, but overall I like this song.
Next up...a bit of Mahler (symphony 4, I think)
Now, here are harmonies...aaaah! Klaus Tennstedt conducts, I think. However, I think I'll move on - listening to one movement out of context with the rest won't sit well...
Fischerspooner, track: Wednesday
I bought this CD in Richmond on my way to a Quins game (where, coincidentally, I'm going on Saturday), knowing nothing about them. I still know nothing... Track is electronic, but not overally. Lyrics and voice aren't overwhelmingly great. Next...
Yeeeeeees, a bit of Ben Folds! You Dont Know Me (from Stems and Seeds)
This guy is a genius - you've just got to love a bit of piano based rock! However, lyrics, harmony play as big a role in this as the piano, which has an electro edge to it.
I can't get enough of this guy - might have to put together a Folds playlist and have a Folds day...tomorrow, maybe?
Mmmm, which is better - Ben Folds Five, or Ben solo????
This us followed by The Decemberists (I Was Meant For The Stage)
I just adore the vocalist's voice -kind of one you can close your eyes listening to, and it will wash over you and make you feel warm and plush!
I don't know this album as well as I know The Hazards of Love (rock opera at it's finest - go listen now!!!!), but this track is fab. Damn, more to listen to and appreciate more...(ha, you know I don't mind!!!)
Last one - bit of Radiohead (I'm already getting FWS, Folds Withdrawal Symptoms...!!?!) - track is a Bside from the Karma Police single - Meeting In The Aisle. One of the best bands around, and OK Computer (very justifyingly, though I didn't see where The Bends featured) was #1 album in Q magazine this month for album released in their lifetime. Yorke and the group, long may you rule!!!
Let some music into your life today, whether it be in your car, your house, or perhaps in your head...
Love to all ----- Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, 6 January 2011
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
I've emerged from a classical phase...
I wasn't sure how long it was going to last, but Classical Music (which I have enjoyed for some time, and loved for a little less time) grabbed me BIG time in November and December...
I was hitting iTunes purely to look at Classical releases. I was purposefully keeping HMV emails detailing purely Classical albums (not sure I've ever bought one from them, but I'm not fussed about receiving emails such as these from retailers).
I got through some Rachmaninov, some Bach, and some Opera (plus some Arias). All in all, I loved it, but I have emerged from the other side...
I now find myself sitting on a train, selecting songs as I go on my iPod (Menniss III, as I call it), and just to prove that you can go from classical to other things, today's music has consisted of:
Muse (currently steaming through the HAARP live album)
Sir Paul McCartney (I did listen to some Lennon on Dec 8th as well, I admit - always try to do this)
The Bee Gees (guilty pleasure - just think the song Nights on Broadway has some if the BEST harmonies ever)
Philip Glass (OK, a bit more classical)
Currently organising a little trip to see Dodgy play the Tunbridge Wells Forum next month, so I've been listening to them too, catching up on one of my favourite bands ever! Have already seen them once since they re-formed, which was a bigger gig in London.
Right, I must now give Muse the attention they deserve/crave...fortunately, no one is looking at me too seriously as I headbang to a bit of 'Hysteria'...
Hope you're all well - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May music affect your holiday in some way, supremely positively...
Love, Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I was hitting iTunes purely to look at Classical releases. I was purposefully keeping HMV emails detailing purely Classical albums (not sure I've ever bought one from them, but I'm not fussed about receiving emails such as these from retailers).
I got through some Rachmaninov, some Bach, and some Opera (plus some Arias). All in all, I loved it, but I have emerged from the other side...
I now find myself sitting on a train, selecting songs as I go on my iPod (Menniss III, as I call it), and just to prove that you can go from classical to other things, today's music has consisted of:
Muse (currently steaming through the HAARP live album)
Sir Paul McCartney (I did listen to some Lennon on Dec 8th as well, I admit - always try to do this)
The Bee Gees (guilty pleasure - just think the song Nights on Broadway has some if the BEST harmonies ever)
Philip Glass (OK, a bit more classical)
Currently organising a little trip to see Dodgy play the Tunbridge Wells Forum next month, so I've been listening to them too, catching up on one of my favourite bands ever! Have already seen them once since they re-formed, which was a bigger gig in London.
Right, I must now give Muse the attention they deserve/crave...fortunately, no one is looking at me too seriously as I headbang to a bit of 'Hysteria'...
Hope you're all well - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May music affect your holiday in some way, supremely positively...
Love, Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
Worth the wait - Batman Begins OST Soundtrack
As some of you will know, I have a HUGE thing for soundtrack albums...
This week, after literally years of trying, I finally got hold of a copy of the OST to Batman Begins (Hans Zimmer / James Newton Howard), and it was worth the wait...
3 reasons I love OSTs:
• they swell the heart
• they are terrific to walk along to, listening on the iPod
• the tracks can produce any kind of emotional response (hey, I cried within 2 minutes of the beginning of Saving Private Ryan - listen again, and you'll see why...)
Here's Batman Begins track by track (second half tomorrow?):
1. Vespertilio
Sets the scene, dark, mechanical. Short, but so sweet.
2. Eptesicus
More hopeful, but yet this track has it's undertones too. We begin to hear the themes that rise within the music so hugely towards the end - the sweeping notes at the end of this track are those of a 'hero'.
A wonderful mixture of orchestra (some oboe at the beginning, maybe) and piano. Absolutely brilliant music to walk along to...
3. Myotis
We're brooding again. The almost mystical chimes make you think of Asia as they echo at the start of the track.
The sound of confusion builds, but this is very quickly followed by action - sharp, recurring notes...punches being thrown, explosions!
The track concludes with peaceful tones, as though our hero is emerging - music to make you wonder, breath in deep and smile...
4. Barbastella
(OK, how did they come up with these names??!)
Choral beginning, with orchestra flowing through, followed by piano... There is something of track 2 about this one, but it does build and has a sort of metallic, structured feel to it at the end.
Then the drums begin to bang... With wind instruments and a lot of passion...great finish!
5. Artibeus
Mysterious, spikey in tone and course - definitely a track to personify our bag guy... Nothing particularly moving about this song, but can be terrific to listen to depending upon where you are (imagine listening to this one walking around a city in the early evening...).
A little show at the end...
6. Tadarida
Softer, brought back to a more comfy place with this track, but for how long...
There is a sense in the music that something is wrong - spikiness returns!
This track is long (just over 5 mins), and is worth it - the last two minutes are pure OST gold dust! Orchestra, choral, a real sense of something happening -it is listening to pieces like this which make OSTs soooo much fun!
7. Macrotus
Even longer now (7+ mins), and starts beautifully with flowing violins and delicious piano. This is the main theme of this album - one of hope, heroism, passion, yet pain. You feel, at moments, like your head is swirling in the clouds...
But, like all great OST composers, you're brought back down to Earth soon enough...
The chimes begin again, but no sharp spikes yet. Enough to feel eerie...
Big, strong, powerful orchestral tones follow in the middle third - our hero is being called upon. The young choral that follows feels like a weakness has been shown, and help has been sought.
Tracks 8-13 tomorrow...
Thanks - hope you found this interesting!
Have a great evening!
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
This week, after literally years of trying, I finally got hold of a copy of the OST to Batman Begins (Hans Zimmer / James Newton Howard), and it was worth the wait...
3 reasons I love OSTs:
• they swell the heart
• they are terrific to walk along to, listening on the iPod
• the tracks can produce any kind of emotional response (hey, I cried within 2 minutes of the beginning of Saving Private Ryan - listen again, and you'll see why...)
Here's Batman Begins track by track (second half tomorrow?):
1. Vespertilio
Sets the scene, dark, mechanical. Short, but so sweet.
2. Eptesicus
More hopeful, but yet this track has it's undertones too. We begin to hear the themes that rise within the music so hugely towards the end - the sweeping notes at the end of this track are those of a 'hero'.
A wonderful mixture of orchestra (some oboe at the beginning, maybe) and piano. Absolutely brilliant music to walk along to...
3. Myotis
We're brooding again. The almost mystical chimes make you think of Asia as they echo at the start of the track.
The sound of confusion builds, but this is very quickly followed by action - sharp, recurring notes...punches being thrown, explosions!
The track concludes with peaceful tones, as though our hero is emerging - music to make you wonder, breath in deep and smile...
4. Barbastella
(OK, how did they come up with these names??!)
Choral beginning, with orchestra flowing through, followed by piano... There is something of track 2 about this one, but it does build and has a sort of metallic, structured feel to it at the end.
Then the drums begin to bang... With wind instruments and a lot of passion...great finish!
5. Artibeus
Mysterious, spikey in tone and course - definitely a track to personify our bag guy... Nothing particularly moving about this song, but can be terrific to listen to depending upon where you are (imagine listening to this one walking around a city in the early evening...).
A little show at the end...
6. Tadarida
Softer, brought back to a more comfy place with this track, but for how long...
There is a sense in the music that something is wrong - spikiness returns!
This track is long (just over 5 mins), and is worth it - the last two minutes are pure OST gold dust! Orchestra, choral, a real sense of something happening -it is listening to pieces like this which make OSTs soooo much fun!
7. Macrotus
Even longer now (7+ mins), and starts beautifully with flowing violins and delicious piano. This is the main theme of this album - one of hope, heroism, passion, yet pain. You feel, at moments, like your head is swirling in the clouds...
But, like all great OST composers, you're brought back down to Earth soon enough...
The chimes begin again, but no sharp spikes yet. Enough to feel eerie...
Big, strong, powerful orchestral tones follow in the middle third - our hero is being called upon. The young choral that follows feels like a weakness has been shown, and help has been sought.
Tracks 8-13 tomorrow...
Thanks - hope you found this interesting!
Have a great evening!
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
10 Menace2Music regrets
I'm not a person who regrets much - for me, life is about choices. We make 100's everyday. I don't think you can regret anything if you've made the choice, however painful that choice might be sometimes... But, for fun, here are 10 Menace2Music regrets:
1. Not listening to The Cure a lot more when I was a teenager (sorry, for regular readers, I know I've said this one before)
2. Never having been to Glastonbury, or any other Festival for that matter
3. Although it would've been the biggest waste of money and time (with the great benefit of hindsight), never going for minidiscs!!!?
4. A personal one - never committing to singing training as a bass
5. Aaah, to have a thing like Spotify as a teenager?!
6. Not going to more gigs, full stop...but, I can't help preferring just to listen to the live album!
7. If George were alive today, I'd write him a letter...
8. Maybe I haven't given Soul and RnB music enough of a chance (naaaaaaah!?)
9. Never learning to play an instrument
10. Not inventing the iPod (ok, so tenuous there aren't even words!!!?)
Have a good music evening - remember now, no regrets!!!
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
1. Not listening to The Cure a lot more when I was a teenager (sorry, for regular readers, I know I've said this one before)
2. Never having been to Glastonbury, or any other Festival for that matter
3. Although it would've been the biggest waste of money and time (with the great benefit of hindsight), never going for minidiscs!!!?
4. A personal one - never committing to singing training as a bass
5. Aaah, to have a thing like Spotify as a teenager?!
6. Not going to more gigs, full stop...but, I can't help preferring just to listen to the live album!
7. If George were alive today, I'd write him a letter...
8. Maybe I haven't given Soul and RnB music enough of a chance (naaaaaaah!?)
9. Never learning to play an instrument
10. Not inventing the iPod (ok, so tenuous there aren't even words!!!?)
Have a good music evening - remember now, no regrets!!!
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, 11 March 2010
Well, I love that 'part' of the song!?
The first of two blog entries today, I hope... We shall see!
This morning I've been thinking about how there are songs we like, or love, but sometimes just for PARTS of them. A few i've thought of, for example:
"Layla" - Derek & The Dominos
I can't help but link it to the montage on Goodfellas, but the piano section of Layla is, in my opinion, the stronger, more giving part of this fantastic song.
"Perfect Kiss" - New Order
The ghostly synths (like something out of Blade Runner) and instrumental towards the end of the track.
There's a song by Unkle featuring Richard Ashcroft (trying to remember the name of it - it's on my second iPod, which is stowed above my head on the train) - the second half of the song, which I seem to recall being mostly instrumental is really moving/beautiful! Name of track later on, unless someone hits me on Twitter with it!
There are some amazing guitar solos that stand out above songs too - out of left field, and not a major one that people would think of, is the solo on "Things We Said Today" of McCartney's Tripping the Light Fantastic album. It is a classic track in it's entirity, but this solo (which comes in 2 parts) has always had a special place in my heart!
On my way to work - train to London. This morning on shuffle, as well as the above tracks (aaargh, what is the name of that Unkle track??!), I've also been enjoying music by:
Ray LaMontagne
Maria Callas / Verdi
Stephen Fretwell
Snow Patrol
The View
Tori Amos
Heard a great song by Kate Bush last night on shuffle, from her Red Shoes album. Here's an interesting choice - flick back 30-odd tracks, or listen to the whole album? Tonight I'll let you know what I did! Come on, you can't wait, huh???!
May your Friday be filled with happiness, praise, but just as importantly, some great music!
Catch you all later!
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
This morning I've been thinking about how there are songs we like, or love, but sometimes just for PARTS of them. A few i've thought of, for example:
"Layla" - Derek & The Dominos
I can't help but link it to the montage on Goodfellas, but the piano section of Layla is, in my opinion, the stronger, more giving part of this fantastic song.
"Perfect Kiss" - New Order
The ghostly synths (like something out of Blade Runner) and instrumental towards the end of the track.
There's a song by Unkle featuring Richard Ashcroft (trying to remember the name of it - it's on my second iPod, which is stowed above my head on the train) - the second half of the song, which I seem to recall being mostly instrumental is really moving/beautiful! Name of track later on, unless someone hits me on Twitter with it!
There are some amazing guitar solos that stand out above songs too - out of left field, and not a major one that people would think of, is the solo on "Things We Said Today" of McCartney's Tripping the Light Fantastic album. It is a classic track in it's entirity, but this solo (which comes in 2 parts) has always had a special place in my heart!
On my way to work - train to London. This morning on shuffle, as well as the above tracks (aaargh, what is the name of that Unkle track??!), I've also been enjoying music by:
Ray LaMontagne
Maria Callas / Verdi
Stephen Fretwell
Snow Patrol
The View
Tori Amos
Heard a great song by Kate Bush last night on shuffle, from her Red Shoes album. Here's an interesting choice - flick back 30-odd tracks, or listen to the whole album? Tonight I'll let you know what I did! Come on, you can't wait, huh???!
May your Friday be filled with happiness, praise, but just as importantly, some great music!
Catch you all later!
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
5 albums I would LOVE to listen to for the 1st time....again!?
The idea for today's post came to me as I was listening to Sleep To Dream by Fiona Apple. I was blown away by her debut album "Tidal" - not only was this a female vocalist who wasn't afraid of who she offended, her blend of vibrant piano playing and passionate vocals was a joy to behold. I was hooked from the beginning, and "Tidal" (although by no means the greatest album I own - it might just feature in my top 100) is an album I would love to listen to again for the first time!
Here are another four:
2. Stephen Fretwell - "Magpie"
When I listen to this album, it's like I'm being given a hug! Clever, poignant lyrics, so clever musically - a wonderful mixture of acoustic guitar, drums, piano (ooo, running theme) and voices.
Track to hit: Run
3. Radiohead - "The Bends"
Purchased on the back of a piece on TV about their nomination for the Mercury Music Prize (I had not really heard of Radiohead by this point), I bought a copy of "The Bends". Is it over the top to suggest this was the equivalent of my father's Sgt. Pepper moment all of those years ago. Music, for me, was never going to be the same...
Track to hit: start at the beginning, and ride to the end
4. The Beatles - "Abbey Road"
I have to include this album in such a list as this! Why? This is, quite simply, my favourite album of all time EVER! Did it take the demise of one of the greatest bands of all time to create their final masterpiece? Side B of this album is just the cleverest arrangement of music there is on the planet (is it too weird that I'm welling-up just writing this - well, I am a Pisces, and it's my birthday today!!!?)
5. Dodgy "Free Peace Sweet"
I awaited this album so eagerly, and Dodgy did not disappoint. This was a band having fun, writing great songs! I saw them live, bought the t-shirt - this album was probably played more than any other at Uni! I wish I could turn back time, slide this into a cassette deck and play this again for the first time! Would I love it more? Probably not, but that's not the point!!!
I was going to do this about 10 albums - might do another 5 next week, maybe...
May a little music in your day guide the seconds, minutes and hours with harmony!
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Here are another four:
2. Stephen Fretwell - "Magpie"
When I listen to this album, it's like I'm being given a hug! Clever, poignant lyrics, so clever musically - a wonderful mixture of acoustic guitar, drums, piano (ooo, running theme) and voices.
Track to hit: Run
3. Radiohead - "The Bends"
Purchased on the back of a piece on TV about their nomination for the Mercury Music Prize (I had not really heard of Radiohead by this point), I bought a copy of "The Bends". Is it over the top to suggest this was the equivalent of my father's Sgt. Pepper moment all of those years ago. Music, for me, was never going to be the same...
Track to hit: start at the beginning, and ride to the end
4. The Beatles - "Abbey Road"
I have to include this album in such a list as this! Why? This is, quite simply, my favourite album of all time EVER! Did it take the demise of one of the greatest bands of all time to create their final masterpiece? Side B of this album is just the cleverest arrangement of music there is on the planet (is it too weird that I'm welling-up just writing this - well, I am a Pisces, and it's my birthday today!!!?)
5. Dodgy "Free Peace Sweet"
I awaited this album so eagerly, and Dodgy did not disappoint. This was a band having fun, writing great songs! I saw them live, bought the t-shirt - this album was probably played more than any other at Uni! I wish I could turn back time, slide this into a cassette deck and play this again for the first time! Would I love it more? Probably not, but that's not the point!!!
I was going to do this about 10 albums - might do another 5 next week, maybe...
May a little music in your day guide the seconds, minutes and hours with harmony!
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Could I have been an EMO?!
I started writing my blog a lot earlier last night - you see, I'm on my way home on a train, thinking a lot about my wife and daughter, my new job, but also music...
I decided about a year-or-so ago that music is something really REALLY important to me. I collect and listen to enough of the stuff - it was time to appreciate that my interest in music was something that does, and should, DEFINE me.
I'm pretty simple to read:
* I don't go anywhere without my iPhone and three iPods (yes, 3!!?)
* I'm seen, very rarely, on my own without a pair of headphones on
* I cannot go a week of my life without buying a CD, hearing something new
That's me really!
Right now, the following is true:
> I've been listening to the song 'Afterglow' by Genesis a lot
> I wish I'd listened to The Cure f%#€ing years ago - not sure I would've been an EMO, but they're just sooooo good
> I am definitely going to put a playlist together of songs to play to "people who are just too damn jolly?!"
> sorry to be so hung up on this, but it is my birthday tomorrow, and I have no idea what CDs to get (apart from perhaps Gorillaz..., and Peter Gabriel..., and heehee, maybe I do know after all!!!!)
I believe in music. Music can bring peace. But, music can be a volatile maiden, that needs to be treated with maximum respect. Me: I thrash music around, and get treated in a reciprocal manner!!!?
Love to all - enjoy whatever tunes that are rockin' your life right now!
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I decided about a year-or-so ago that music is something really REALLY important to me. I collect and listen to enough of the stuff - it was time to appreciate that my interest in music was something that does, and should, DEFINE me.
I'm pretty simple to read:
* I don't go anywhere without my iPhone and three iPods (yes, 3!!?)
* I'm seen, very rarely, on my own without a pair of headphones on
* I cannot go a week of my life without buying a CD, hearing something new
That's me really!
Right now, the following is true:
> I've been listening to the song 'Afterglow' by Genesis a lot
> I wish I'd listened to The Cure f%#€ing years ago - not sure I would've been an EMO, but they're just sooooo good
> I am definitely going to put a playlist together of songs to play to "people who are just too damn jolly?!"
> sorry to be so hung up on this, but it is my birthday tomorrow, and I have no idea what CDs to get (apart from perhaps Gorillaz..., and Peter Gabriel..., and heehee, maybe I do know after all!!!!)
I believe in music. Music can bring peace. But, music can be a volatile maiden, that needs to be treated with maximum respect. Me: I thrash music around, and get treated in a reciprocal manner!!!?
Love to all - enjoy whatever tunes that are rockin' your life right now!
Menace2Music
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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