Star Trek - 9
Can’t remember the last time I went to see a movie twice in a theater run. Maybe The Sixth Sense. I’ve really got to like a movie to pay twice, much less buy the DVD.
I actually enjoyed Star Trek that much - that and the fact that I’ve always been a Trekkie. Not a convention-attending, costume-wearing one mind-you, or one that has seen every episode of the subsequent series incarnations that mainly enriched Gene Roddenberry’s estate; but a Trekkie who just loved the story of Kirk, Spock and their crew exploring strange new worlds.
In this story of essentially how the crew of the Starship Enterprise came together Director JJ Abrams pulls off homage to the original Star Trek while at the same time giving appropriate thrills to all audiences. The movie is injected with a rollicking humor that helps move the action along.
To me, Star Trek has always represented the most plausible and possible future. As a franchise its movies have not been the financial juggernaut that the Star Wars series has been, but the arc has been similar in that the artistic peak was early. Star Wars was this incredible make-believe fantasy world. We always felt that because Starfleet and Jim Kirk originated on earth, Star Trek somehow was a real possibility. This movie reflects that. The characters don’t reflect the probable cultural diversity of the 23rd century – still a little stuck in 1965 – but that’s quibbling. The characters have always been rich and distinct and interesting, and this gives their story that well-worn depth we crave.
The script is a good one. It brilliantly pays tribute to the best of Star Trek history. but is not hampered by it. First, there’s Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan. Easily the best of the Star Trek movies, I’ve always considered it a classic – a life lesson movie. In addition by showing the eventual transfer of the Enterprise command from Christopher Pike to James Kirk, it also tips it’s cap to “The Menagerie” the classic 2 part episode, that along with “City on the Edge of Forever,” (also slyly referenced here) were the pinnacles of the TV series.
The storytelling team does a masterful job of re-imagining the beginnings of Kirk’s command. But, that would have been wasted if the casting hadn’t been spot-on. …Chris Pine as Jim Kirk is perfect. He may not know it yet, but the course of his life has been set and he could very easily be playing James Tiberius Kirk for the rest of his life, toward the end of the movie, he even begins to assume the cadence and bravado of William Shatner. He will not win any acting awards, but he’s deserving. Likewise Zachary Quinto, apparently coached by Leonard Nimoy, is wonderful as Spock. They somehow manage to capture the same chemistry as Shatner and Nimoy, and the movie’s emotional weight emerges as their rivalry turns to mutual respect. It’s exciting to watch.
The rest of the cast is just as good. All of the rest of the well-known characters are on board, and they’re not just tokens. They’re treated with respect and each play important roles in the story.
So, why not a 10? Well, I have 2 minor quibbles with the movie. Like most action movies theirs is what I call “blurry action,” where you can’t see exactly what’s going on. Most of these are during fight sequences, when Kirk is getting clobbered. I can’t remember when a major character in a movie has been beaten up so much (without losing a tooth), but we just don’t see it very well.
My other quibble is with the appearance of Leonard Nimoy. While it seems necessary for the story, it just felt a little contrived for me. His appearance seemed to slow things down, and his last scene where he meets himself, is just a little over the top.
Nevertheless, this is going to be a blockbuster of the highest order. It won’t approach The Titanic for repeat viewings, because the Geek patrol is not going to be as large as the young romantics, but I would say there will be a long wait for the Blu Ray.
State of Play – 9. There’s just something about journalism that lends itself to the big screen. I was sucked in by this story of a government cover-up. It revolves around a “Blackwater” type security firm that’s doing bad things to preserve its dominant position. Russell Crowe is outstanding as always, and Ben Affleck holds up his end of the bargain. Some nice twists and turns, and I fell for it hook, line and sinker.
Terminator Salvation – 7. Don’t be misled by the fact that this is the fourth Terminator movie. This is essentially a war movie. It’s a gritty depiction of the fictional “Judgement Day” aftermath, which apparently occurs despite John Connor’s efforts through 3 previous movies and a TV series. It would be daunting to see an American city like Los Angeles in ruin, if we hadn’t seen it in about 40 movies already.
This is not a great movie, but it is a worthy next step in the Terminator story. I’m a big fan of this storyline as well, but unlike Star Wars and Star Trek, there’s a problem on the horizon. The not-to-distant future that began the story is now not distant at all as time is rolling along and the time for Judgement Day and other fictional events is sliding on by on our real calendar. Soon, it will be a fictional interpretation of the past.
Some day they’ll be wheeling me into Terminator 9 – The Rebuilding effort.
That will be the same month that I expect to see:
Star Trek – We’re Almost to the TV Series
Die Hard 7 – Die Hardest Yet
Indiana Jones and the Mausoleum of Doom
Rocky 14 – Wheelchair Wrestling
Harry Potter and the Crutches of Posterity
Superman 10 – Where did Lois go?
James Bond – Has Anyone Seen My Glasses?
Batman – Rescuing Social Security
The Lord of The Rings – The Three Nursing Homes
The Matrix – Even We’re Confused
SpiderMan 8 – Paralysis by Dialysis
Can’t Wait
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
My Top Eleven Woody Allen Movies
Annie Hall
Manhattan
Zelig
Radio Days
Bananas
Love and Death
Mighty Aphrodite
Sweet and Lowdown
Hannah and Her Sisters
Crimes and Misdemeanors
Manhattan Murder Mystery
Manhattan
Zelig
Radio Days
Bananas
Love and Death
Mighty Aphrodite
Sweet and Lowdown
Hannah and Her Sisters
Crimes and Misdemeanors
Manhattan Murder Mystery
Thursday, May 21, 2009
What do we do now that American Idol is over?
Yes, I admit it. I’ve watched American Idol the last few years. It is a cultural juggernaut, but like everything else, it’s not perfect. Here’s how to fix it:
1. Amateurs only. America sniffed out Adam Lambert this year as being too polished, too professional, too good. From now on – nobody who has ever made a professional cent should be allowed in. No piano bar singers, no background singers, no previous record deals, no broadway experience. AI is at its best when it is discovering some new talent – not giving someone a second chance.
2. While Simon is talking the other judges have to shut up. I don’t understand why they’re allowed to catcall him when they disagree. It’s bad enough the audience is yelping like wounded dogs. He never says a word when they’re talking. We want to hear Simon – everyone else shut up.
3, No Mindreading. That’s not to say Simon is infallible. This year he did a little bit too much mindreading. We don’t really care if Simon thinks a performer thinks they can win. I thought his persistent negativity on Allison’s mindset (while praising her singing) got her booted. And yes, she was my favorite. We want the judges to answer one fundamental question – “How did they sing?”
4. Lose the instruments. Is it a coincidence that the last 2 winners stood up there with a guitar and beat guys who were “only” singers? If it’s a “singing competition” which they repeat over and over, then it can’t also be a “talent competion.” What’s next – dancing? (Hint – America loves a guy with a guitar – it will always be sexier. But it puts competition at a disadvantage.)
5. Change the order of the judges. We didn’t mind Kara, she’s ok. But most of the time she parroted Randy. Mix it up a little.
6. Give the judges a time limit. Pick up the pace – please. We really don’t care how proud Paula is of everyone. How did they sing?
7. No more comments on song choices. “Wrong song” is not really the issue is it? Bad interpretation, bad performance? When a golfer hits it in the woods, it’s not because he picked the wrong club.
8. No lip-synching. Let them make some mistakes.
Other than that – don’t change a thing. See you next year.
1. Amateurs only. America sniffed out Adam Lambert this year as being too polished, too professional, too good. From now on – nobody who has ever made a professional cent should be allowed in. No piano bar singers, no background singers, no previous record deals, no broadway experience. AI is at its best when it is discovering some new talent – not giving someone a second chance.
2. While Simon is talking the other judges have to shut up. I don’t understand why they’re allowed to catcall him when they disagree. It’s bad enough the audience is yelping like wounded dogs. He never says a word when they’re talking. We want to hear Simon – everyone else shut up.
3, No Mindreading. That’s not to say Simon is infallible. This year he did a little bit too much mindreading. We don’t really care if Simon thinks a performer thinks they can win. I thought his persistent negativity on Allison’s mindset (while praising her singing) got her booted. And yes, she was my favorite. We want the judges to answer one fundamental question – “How did they sing?”
4. Lose the instruments. Is it a coincidence that the last 2 winners stood up there with a guitar and beat guys who were “only” singers? If it’s a “singing competition” which they repeat over and over, then it can’t also be a “talent competion.” What’s next – dancing? (Hint – America loves a guy with a guitar – it will always be sexier. But it puts competition at a disadvantage.)
5. Change the order of the judges. We didn’t mind Kara, she’s ok. But most of the time she parroted Randy. Mix it up a little.
6. Give the judges a time limit. Pick up the pace – please. We really don’t care how proud Paula is of everyone. How did they sing?
7. No more comments on song choices. “Wrong song” is not really the issue is it? Bad interpretation, bad performance? When a golfer hits it in the woods, it’s not because he picked the wrong club.
8. No lip-synching. Let them make some mistakes.
Other than that – don’t change a thing. See you next year.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
My Final Word on Torture
Prediction: For the next several years we will discuss the merits and ethics of torture until we’re all sick of it. It will be animated, lively, and disgusting.
I submit to you that is one more proof of the Bush administration’s disconnect with the typical American that they had to even resort to waterboarding.
Had they not watched American television? They had plenty to work with.
I suggest when you want to make prisoners scream with agony you set a TV in front of them and subject them to the following viewing sequence:
1. Start them off with several “E! True Hollywood Story” episodes, so they can remember why they hate us.
2. Follow up with several hours of “The View.” If watching Elizabeth Hasselback and Joy Behar screech at each other doesn’t get them screaming in agony, we can move on to
3. Regis Philbin, who apparently will never go away. Then,
4. The current Progressive Insurance commercials. This will make them want to claw out their eyeballs with a ball point pen.
5. Bill O’Reilly and Keith Olberman. Make them watch what unfortunately people now think of as journalism.
6. Then, an hour of Jimmy Fallon, who appears to be in as much pain as his audience.
7. Lastly, we can neuter them by making them watch The Flavor of Love, when they will realize that our civilization has reached its bottom and is no longer a threat.
Put these shows on a loop and I’m betting it will reduce our enemies to wimpering, simpering confessors. Now that's Torture! We could even send them home with parting gifts, like a free subscription to satellite TV.
Another dilemma solved. You're welcome.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Jazz Fest Report 2009
There are three types of people in the world.
The Entertainers, the Entertainees, and those who don't care.
Since I haven't a lick of talent I'm definitely an Entertainee. I love to be entertained by good music, good movies, good sports, and even good TV.
Which brings me to our favorite event of the year - The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
On the first Saturday we got to see the Dixie Cups (Iko Iko) and an about-to-turn 90 Pete Seeger. Irma Thomas was great as always, and then I got to see the first "great performance - if you've read previous blogs" when James Taylor closed out the day with "You've Got A Friend."
On the second Friday we took in Beau Soleil, followed by Marcia Ball whose highlight was her mellow rendition of "Louisiana 1927." Bonnie Raitt did an incredible set with Jon Cleary sitting in. They were made to perform together and they got the crowd dancing. We closed our day with another "great performance" when we got to see Tony Bennett do "I Left My Heart." I'm always amazed at how good the pros are, and this Jazz Fest was no exception.
We walked around, took in some great music and more than a few calories.
Sorry you missed it - again. You'll get another chance next year. Plan now.
The Entertainers, the Entertainees, and those who don't care.
Since I haven't a lick of talent I'm definitely an Entertainee. I love to be entertained by good music, good movies, good sports, and even good TV.
Which brings me to our favorite event of the year - The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
On the first Saturday we got to see the Dixie Cups (Iko Iko) and an about-to-turn 90 Pete Seeger. Irma Thomas was great as always, and then I got to see the first "great performance - if you've read previous blogs" when James Taylor closed out the day with "You've Got A Friend."
On the second Friday we took in Beau Soleil, followed by Marcia Ball whose highlight was her mellow rendition of "Louisiana 1927." Bonnie Raitt did an incredible set with Jon Cleary sitting in. They were made to perform together and they got the crowd dancing. We closed our day with another "great performance" when we got to see Tony Bennett do "I Left My Heart." I'm always amazed at how good the pros are, and this Jazz Fest was no exception.
We walked around, took in some great music and more than a few calories.
Sorry you missed it - again. You'll get another chance next year. Plan now.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Brokenhearted
Death is part of life.
That doesn't make it easy.
Public figures come and go all the time, but Impressionist/Singer Danny Gans by all accounts was different.
We have friends in Las Vegas and for over a year Liz and I have been talking about getting back to Vegas to see Danny Gans. We got to see him once at the Beau Rivage and he was terrific. But many years ago before he was famous I got to see him at a Ford meeting. He sang "We are the World" voice by voice and I've never forgotten it as the most amazing thing I've ever seen an entertainer do.
He was entertainer of the year in Vegas many times, but by all accounts he was an even better person. You can read about him and his charitable works in a variety of places. Check him out on You Tube if you're not familiar with him. Very Sad.
That doesn't make it easy.
Public figures come and go all the time, but Impressionist/Singer Danny Gans by all accounts was different.
We have friends in Las Vegas and for over a year Liz and I have been talking about getting back to Vegas to see Danny Gans. We got to see him once at the Beau Rivage and he was terrific. But many years ago before he was famous I got to see him at a Ford meeting. He sang "We are the World" voice by voice and I've never forgotten it as the most amazing thing I've ever seen an entertainer do.
He was entertainer of the year in Vegas many times, but by all accounts he was an even better person. You can read about him and his charitable works in a variety of places. Check him out on You Tube if you're not familiar with him. Very Sad.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
At the Cinema - April 2009
When I was growing up in nearby Mississippi, I did not really care for the 4 or 5 old time New Orleans songs that WTIX played (am 690 – for those of you who remember when we listened to music on a.m. radio.) Many of the songs were related to Mardi Gras, and I just didn’t get it. There was one that goes “it’s carnival time” that for 40 years I thought was saying “it’s kind-of-a-time” and I sure didn’t see the point of that statement. To this day, I still don’t get that excited about Mardi Gras, but I understand what it means to the people who attend parades, or participate in parades. Like so much else about this area of the country – well, there’s just nothing like it.
I bring all this up to express that it’s “festival time” in New Orleans and there ought to be a song about it.
It starts with the French Quarter Festival over an early weekend in April. Music stages are set up around the French Quarter and local restaurants set up food booths and you can wander around and be as gluttonous as you care to be, which is pretty much what New Orleans is all about – gluttony at its most decadent. With its perfect weather (usually) and great local music, it’s a wonderful way to spend a weekend.
As much as I like the FQF, it pales in comparison to what follows on the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May – the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Featuring incredible food (each vendor is selected for one or two entries that are considered the best of the best) and great music (80% with Louisiana roots) this is by far the finest event to take place in New Orleans. Basically, if you like music, you’ll see act after act that will blow you away, 5 or 6 per day at the price you’d pay to see 1.
So, this is my favorite time of the year. I’ve been going to the Jazz Fest for 35 of its 40 years (unfortunately, not consecutively) and it gets better and better every year. It’s festival time and if you like food and music (I like one too much) there’s just nothing like it.
I bring all this up so that you understand why I saw only one movie this month:
12 Rounds – 5 out of a possible 10 score. This is the adventure thriller set in New Orleans where the local scenery is the star and the actor is John Cena, whom I understand to be a wrestler of some fame. Well, since wrestling is action acting, he’s right at home in this mindless adventure, which is not nearly as bad as the critic’s reviews say, but not as good as it could have been. It hop scotches around New Orleans neighborhoods (usually ignoring distances) and takes advantage of several local landmarks. Fun, with Aidan Gillen as the truly evil terrorist in one of many over-the-top performances.
Which brings me to my Top Ten underrated movies which I promised last month.
I can sum up what makes these films special in 2 ways – first, I watch them almost every time they’re on, and second, they can generate hours of discussion on what they were really about. And of course, I couldn’t limit it to 10.
11. Big Wednesday – overlooked surfing movie that is more about friendship than surfing.
10. Galaxy Quest. Maybe only a Star Trek fan will get the references, but this is a hilarious movie, period.
9. The American President. Annett Bening lights up the screen in this Aaron Sorkin penned chronicle which unfortunately led to the TV show The West Wing.
8. Anything by Frank Capra. This generation knows Capra only as the director of the Christmas Classic It’s a Wonderful Life. Well, there’s a whole catalog of Capra-corn that shouldn’t be overlooked. It Happened One Night, You Can’t Take It With You, and my favorite – Mr. Smith Goes to Washington to name just a few.
7. Minority Report. Since I didn’t care for Schindler’s List, let me try to make it up to Speilberg. This is an incredible look at one future wrapped in a mystery story. Although praised at the time of release, I think this is an upper echelon classic, with Tom Cruise and Colin Farrell at their best.
6. The Buddy Holly Story. When Rolling Stone picked the 50 greatest rock movies, this wasn’t even on the list, which is crazy. Gary Busey sings live in one of the most overlooked performances ever. A great Biopic.
5. Radio Days/Zelig – Two Woody Allen films that are just below his Annie Hall/Manhattan masterpieces
4. The Conversation – While I didn’t go ape over The Godfather, this Coppola film is one that can generate days of discussion. When Gene Hackman says this was his best film, that’s saying something.
3. L A Confidential – Lost in Titanic mania, this film would have won Best Film in almost any other year. A complex, masterful thriller.
2. Robin and Marian – Totally overlooked Robin Hood movie with Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn breaking your heart. Realistic romance, realistic action.
1. Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. Hang around me for any length of time and you’ll hear several quips from this movie (and Annie Hall). While Martin Scorsese has gone on to direct many classics, and I like almost all of them, for some reason this one to me is perfection. Ellen Burstyn gives one of the great all time performances. There are few things I’m sure of, but I’m sure that when you see this you won’t like it as much as I do. That’s what makes movies so personal.
I bring all this up to express that it’s “festival time” in New Orleans and there ought to be a song about it.
It starts with the French Quarter Festival over an early weekend in April. Music stages are set up around the French Quarter and local restaurants set up food booths and you can wander around and be as gluttonous as you care to be, which is pretty much what New Orleans is all about – gluttony at its most decadent. With its perfect weather (usually) and great local music, it’s a wonderful way to spend a weekend.
As much as I like the FQF, it pales in comparison to what follows on the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May – the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Featuring incredible food (each vendor is selected for one or two entries that are considered the best of the best) and great music (80% with Louisiana roots) this is by far the finest event to take place in New Orleans. Basically, if you like music, you’ll see act after act that will blow you away, 5 or 6 per day at the price you’d pay to see 1.
So, this is my favorite time of the year. I’ve been going to the Jazz Fest for 35 of its 40 years (unfortunately, not consecutively) and it gets better and better every year. It’s festival time and if you like food and music (I like one too much) there’s just nothing like it.
I bring all this up so that you understand why I saw only one movie this month:
12 Rounds – 5 out of a possible 10 score. This is the adventure thriller set in New Orleans where the local scenery is the star and the actor is John Cena, whom I understand to be a wrestler of some fame. Well, since wrestling is action acting, he’s right at home in this mindless adventure, which is not nearly as bad as the critic’s reviews say, but not as good as it could have been. It hop scotches around New Orleans neighborhoods (usually ignoring distances) and takes advantage of several local landmarks. Fun, with Aidan Gillen as the truly evil terrorist in one of many over-the-top performances.
Which brings me to my Top Ten underrated movies which I promised last month.
I can sum up what makes these films special in 2 ways – first, I watch them almost every time they’re on, and second, they can generate hours of discussion on what they were really about. And of course, I couldn’t limit it to 10.
11. Big Wednesday – overlooked surfing movie that is more about friendship than surfing.
10. Galaxy Quest. Maybe only a Star Trek fan will get the references, but this is a hilarious movie, period.
9. The American President. Annett Bening lights up the screen in this Aaron Sorkin penned chronicle which unfortunately led to the TV show The West Wing.
8. Anything by Frank Capra. This generation knows Capra only as the director of the Christmas Classic It’s a Wonderful Life. Well, there’s a whole catalog of Capra-corn that shouldn’t be overlooked. It Happened One Night, You Can’t Take It With You, and my favorite – Mr. Smith Goes to Washington to name just a few.
7. Minority Report. Since I didn’t care for Schindler’s List, let me try to make it up to Speilberg. This is an incredible look at one future wrapped in a mystery story. Although praised at the time of release, I think this is an upper echelon classic, with Tom Cruise and Colin Farrell at their best.
6. The Buddy Holly Story. When Rolling Stone picked the 50 greatest rock movies, this wasn’t even on the list, which is crazy. Gary Busey sings live in one of the most overlooked performances ever. A great Biopic.
5. Radio Days/Zelig – Two Woody Allen films that are just below his Annie Hall/Manhattan masterpieces
4. The Conversation – While I didn’t go ape over The Godfather, this Coppola film is one that can generate days of discussion. When Gene Hackman says this was his best film, that’s saying something.
3. L A Confidential – Lost in Titanic mania, this film would have won Best Film in almost any other year. A complex, masterful thriller.
2. Robin and Marian – Totally overlooked Robin Hood movie with Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn breaking your heart. Realistic romance, realistic action.
1. Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. Hang around me for any length of time and you’ll hear several quips from this movie (and Annie Hall). While Martin Scorsese has gone on to direct many classics, and I like almost all of them, for some reason this one to me is perfection. Ellen Burstyn gives one of the great all time performances. There are few things I’m sure of, but I’m sure that when you see this you won’t like it as much as I do. That’s what makes movies so personal.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Another Top 25
Here it is. My top 25 male vocal performances of all time.
My Generation – Roger Daltry
A Change Gonna Come – Sam Cooke
Sunlight – Jesse Colin Young (Youngbloods)
I Saw Her Standing There – Paul McCartney (Beatles)
Imagine – John Lennon
You’ve Got a Friend – James Taylor
Galveston – Glen Campbell
Losin’ My Religion – Michael Stipe (REM)
Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen
Music of the Night – Michael Crawford
Your Song – Elton John
Moondance – Van Morrison
Stardust – Willie Nelson
A Song For You – Leon Russell
More Today Than Yesterday – Pat Upton (Spiral Staircase)
Walkin’ in Memphis – Marc Cohn
Crossroads – Eric Clapton (Cream)
Suspicious Minds – Elvis Presley
Look to Your Soul – Johnny Rivers
This is It – Kenny Loggins
While My Guitar Gently Weeps – George Harrison (Beatles)
God Only Knows – Carl Wilson (Beach Boys)
Only the Good Die Young – Billy Joel
Cherry Bomb - John Mellencamp
I Left My Heart in San Francisco – Tony Bennett
Superstition - Stevie Wonder
Well, this time I got it done in just 27. Too hard, enough of that. Although, I'm thinking about maybe 10 outstanding duets....
My Generation – Roger Daltry
A Change Gonna Come – Sam Cooke
Sunlight – Jesse Colin Young (Youngbloods)
I Saw Her Standing There – Paul McCartney (Beatles)
Imagine – John Lennon
You’ve Got a Friend – James Taylor
Galveston – Glen Campbell
Losin’ My Religion – Michael Stipe (REM)
Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen
Music of the Night – Michael Crawford
Your Song – Elton John
Moondance – Van Morrison
Stardust – Willie Nelson
A Song For You – Leon Russell
More Today Than Yesterday – Pat Upton (Spiral Staircase)
Walkin’ in Memphis – Marc Cohn
Crossroads – Eric Clapton (Cream)
Suspicious Minds – Elvis Presley
Look to Your Soul – Johnny Rivers
This is It – Kenny Loggins
While My Guitar Gently Weeps – George Harrison (Beatles)
God Only Knows – Carl Wilson (Beach Boys)
Only the Good Die Young – Billy Joel
Cherry Bomb - John Mellencamp
I Left My Heart in San Francisco – Tony Bennett
Superstition - Stevie Wonder
Well, this time I got it done in just 27. Too hard, enough of that. Although, I'm thinking about maybe 10 outstanding duets....
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
My first top 25
Got a lot of reaction to my Karla Bonoff remarks, mostly “Who’s she?” and “What did she sing?” which led to discussion of many female vocalists. Given the Facebook signature “25 random things about me” which I can’t imagine anyone would be interested in I thought I’d take a run at something that might get your nostalgic juices flowing, if there is such a thing as a nostalgic juice.
So here is my “purely personal "25 favorite female vocalist performances,” in approximate order:
A Song for You by Karen Carpenter
Trouble Again by Karla Bonoff
Me and Bobbie Magee by Janis Joplin
Think of Me by Sarah Brightman
Unbreak My Heart by Toni Braxton
Don’t Cry for Me Argentina by Patti Lupone
Somebody to Love by Grace Slick
Sundown Lady by Lani Hall
Nick of Time by Bonnie Raitt
It’s Too Late by Carole King
First We Take Manhattan by Jennifer Warnes
All I Want to Do is Make Love to You by Ann Wilson
At 17 by Janis Ian
Rhiannon by Stevie Nicks
You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me by Dusty Springfield
Diamonds and Rust by Joan Baez
Seven Year Ache by Roseanne Cash
Desperado by Linda Ronstadt
Up on the Roof by Laura Nyro
The Tender Trap by Stacey Kent
Work to Do by Vanessa Williams
How Will I Know by Whitney Houston
Shame by Evelyn “Champagne” King
Papa Don’t Preach by Madonna
You’re So Vain by Carly Simon
Down at the Twist and Shout by Mary Chapin Carpenter
They Can’t Take That Away from Me by Ella Fitzgerald
Down to The River by Alison Krause
You Only Live Twice by Nancy Sinatra
Be My Baby by Ronnie Spector
Well, as you can see, I couldn’t limit it to 25 – and that was without putting anyone on twice, which I would have done, and stopping at 30 made me leave off My City was Gone by Chrissie Hinds and What’s Love Got to Do with It by Tina Turner, as well as Joni Mitchell, Alanis Morisette, Jewell, etc. but at least I snuck a couple more in. Tonight I’ll jump up and think of one I can’t believe I left off….
Favorite Male Vocalist performances coming soon….
Your favorites?
So here is my “purely personal "25 favorite female vocalist performances,” in approximate order:
A Song for You by Karen Carpenter
Trouble Again by Karla Bonoff
Me and Bobbie Magee by Janis Joplin
Think of Me by Sarah Brightman
Unbreak My Heart by Toni Braxton
Don’t Cry for Me Argentina by Patti Lupone
Somebody to Love by Grace Slick
Sundown Lady by Lani Hall
Nick of Time by Bonnie Raitt
It’s Too Late by Carole King
First We Take Manhattan by Jennifer Warnes
All I Want to Do is Make Love to You by Ann Wilson
At 17 by Janis Ian
Rhiannon by Stevie Nicks
You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me by Dusty Springfield
Diamonds and Rust by Joan Baez
Seven Year Ache by Roseanne Cash
Desperado by Linda Ronstadt
Up on the Roof by Laura Nyro
The Tender Trap by Stacey Kent
Work to Do by Vanessa Williams
How Will I Know by Whitney Houston
Shame by Evelyn “Champagne” King
Papa Don’t Preach by Madonna
You’re So Vain by Carly Simon
Down at the Twist and Shout by Mary Chapin Carpenter
They Can’t Take That Away from Me by Ella Fitzgerald
Down to The River by Alison Krause
You Only Live Twice by Nancy Sinatra
Be My Baby by Ronnie Spector
Well, as you can see, I couldn’t limit it to 25 – and that was without putting anyone on twice, which I would have done, and stopping at 30 made me leave off My City was Gone by Chrissie Hinds and What’s Love Got to Do with It by Tina Turner, as well as Joni Mitchell, Alanis Morisette, Jewell, etc. but at least I snuck a couple more in. Tonight I’ll jump up and think of one I can’t believe I left off….
Favorite Male Vocalist performances coming soon….
Your favorites?
Sunday, April 5, 2009
A Wonderful Concert - April 5, 2009
A list of my favorite albums of all time would start like this:
1 Abbey Road – The Beatles
2 Restless Nights – Karla Bonoff
3 The White Album - The Beatles
I bring this up only to emphasize the thrill I just had. Not only did I get to hear Karla Bonoff in concert at The Barns at Wolf Trap in Virginia tonight, but I actually got to meet her and tell her how much her music had meant to me over the years. Got an autograph too!
This is a concert I had looked forward to for a long time. I’ve watched Karla’s web site for years hoping to see her again, as she doesn’t play often. I first saw her in Memphis over 20 years ago, and still listen to her albums to this day. Every song she ever recorded is on my ipod.
The acoustics in this venue were as good as any place I’ve ever been. And what an incredible voice. Wow.
The good news is I sat dead center in the second row. The bad news is that I had the talking, screaming, drunk couple from hell sitting next to me. I felt like Karla was giving me a personal concert. This couple acted like she was doing it just for them. They talked to her, loudly. The girl sang every song she knew at the top of her lungs. If they didn’t know the song, they made out. I’m not making this up. Fortunately, people started “shusing” her and she calmed down, and I’m happy to say I was able to ignore her.
It was a thrill to hear this music, and I hope it's not the last time I get to hear her in concert.
1 Abbey Road – The Beatles
2 Restless Nights – Karla Bonoff
3 The White Album - The Beatles
I bring this up only to emphasize the thrill I just had. Not only did I get to hear Karla Bonoff in concert at The Barns at Wolf Trap in Virginia tonight, but I actually got to meet her and tell her how much her music had meant to me over the years. Got an autograph too!
This is a concert I had looked forward to for a long time. I’ve watched Karla’s web site for years hoping to see her again, as she doesn’t play often. I first saw her in Memphis over 20 years ago, and still listen to her albums to this day. Every song she ever recorded is on my ipod.
The acoustics in this venue were as good as any place I’ve ever been. And what an incredible voice. Wow.
The good news is I sat dead center in the second row. The bad news is that I had the talking, screaming, drunk couple from hell sitting next to me. I felt like Karla was giving me a personal concert. This couple acted like she was doing it just for them. They talked to her, loudly. The girl sang every song she knew at the top of her lungs. If they didn’t know the song, they made out. I’m not making this up. Fortunately, people started “shusing” her and she calmed down, and I’m happy to say I was able to ignore her.
It was a thrill to hear this music, and I hope it's not the last time I get to hear her in concert.
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