Great monotonous songs
I am drawn to melody in songs. That’s one of the many reasons I don’t like rap music. Rhythm is important too, of course, but for me melody (and lyrics) is key. But there’s a class of rock songs that … Continue reading →
Category Archives: Music
A certain kind of genius…
…can write a masterpiece within the confines of almost any restriction. Tchaikovsky was just that kind of genius. He was one of the greatest composers for ballet who ever lived, transforming ballet music from the light and inconsequential into the … Continue reading →
A stirring letter from Judea Pearl
Judea Pearl is the father of Daniel Pearl, and he has written a stirring letter of protest about the Klinghoffer opera. It’s well worth reading in its entirety, but here’s an excerpt: There is nothing more enticing to a would-be … Continue reading →
The Klinghoffer opera: sympathy for the devil
Last night was the opening of the controversial opera “The Death of Klinghoffer” at New York’s Lincoln Center. It was marked by protests: Demonstrators, primarily associated with Jewish groups, plan to rally outside Lincoln Center with 100 wheelchairs, in honor … Continue reading →
Singing genes
I’m not much of a Streisand fan. She’s just not all that much to my taste, but I recognize her outstanding talent and understand why for many people she’s their favorite singer. I noticed that Yahoo is pushing a video … Continue reading →
My political compass, three years later
Three years ago I took the test on the “Political Compass” site. This was the result back then, which seemed to place me correctly on the scale: I just took the test again. And although I certainly didn’t remember my … Continue reading →
In his elements
I was raised on the songs of Tom Lehrer. I knew the song “The Elements” from the version appearing on this record, which I had pretty much memorized in childhood (the other songs, that is; “The Elements” went too fast … Continue reading →
Two duets—same piece of music
The first duo: And the second:
Continue reading →“My ordinary state of mind is very much like the waiting room at the DMV”…
…says Leonard Cohen. A likely story. If Cohen’s mind is like the DMV, it’s not like any DMV I’ve ever been to. Cohen’s interview is a fascinating reflection on creativity and work: Before I can discard the verse, I have … Continue reading →
The Sixties has reached its apotheosis
And it’s fitting somehow that it’s happening in Berkeley: The city of Berkeley will require medical marijuana dispensaries to give away two percent of the amount of cannabis they sell each year free to low-income patients. The City Council voted … Continue reading →
Beatle heredity
From Maetenloch at Ace’s, sons on left, Beatles on right:
Continue reading →Get out…
…a big box of Kleenex if you’re going to watch this one: I like country music because I really like lyrics, and country music songs often have schmaltzy but really fine lyrics, resembling short and accessible old-fashioned poems. A few … Continue reading →