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I'm all of the buzz. I didn't know I told you about my friend taking offense that I want to walk to church (only five miles). I enjoy the time outside by myself. It's cold, but I've learned to bundle up. She insists she must drive cross-town to serve me. It makes me angry cos I love independence and hate being treated like a little booboo. But she insists, and there goes my exercise time. Why should I care.
Anyway, I'm not listening to anything - trying to buffer noise, actually. But I feel like a clone; I finally got that Sunken Condos would be condos underwater. Knowing Fagen and Becker, the pun was probably more complicated.
I do like that underwater condo concept. I'd live there, so long as I had an escape hatch I could swim out of in case of emergency. A pet spotted dolphin would also be nice. Tell your friend who wishes to do good just that, you walk for exercise and politely refuse. Or if she insists, tell her you'll meet her half way.
The anniversary of the song .... A lot of people didn't get this song.... at the time I didn't pay attention at the time to Queen, but in a later class I had to analyse these lyrics. (An easy game to play!) Anyway I just so happened to do this AFTER I had read *The Kite Runner*. Wow. A MUST read for EVERYONE IMHO. Anyway I read up on Freddie Mercury, and his own history really tied into this book... made sense. Scaramouche is a clown.... from Commedia del Arte..... survivors of serious abuse often turn into "clowns" or cover it with dramatics. Galileo was threatened excommunication by The Establishment. Anyway I love this song now, absolutely mad, schizo and poignant. AND I just realized why I like it too, that's the sound of a growling Gibson 335. What a voice!!!
The concept of a Bohemian rhapsody always hit my funny bone. Of course, I find some of the lyrics downer, but I love to sing along. Queen's hair scared me as a child. I was later impressed by Brian May's good looks and physics background. It made more sympathetic. Who'da guessed?
I told the friend that a gazillion times, but when one is as crazy, stupid, and unsuccessful as I, my opinions carry no weight. For example, I would prefer to go home and take a long bath and scrub all this necrosis off my skin. Friends would prefer me to eat turkey. They know best.
Then, I agreed to play piano for the church Christmas party, and the boss approved the time off. I was really looking forward to dusting off the old Oxford University Press hymns and carols my dad gave me. But no. They gave me the "Reader's Digest" set of songs (because I'm so awful on piano). I get to play "Jingle Bells" and other light-minded nonsense. I wasn't happy about that.
So, one of my bosses sent me an email with then and now clips of the Diamonds singing "Little Darlin'." I sent him back my favorite version. This was so classic. I can't believe it has only 5000 views. (Maybe my point is fun should be fun, not just pretending on cue.)
you poor thing. Jingle bells... there are worse fates, like having to play "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas" or "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" I generally leave the room when those come on.
The only "statue" I recognized was Sonny Bono. Pretty amazing stuff. Back during that time, there was an arts festival in Laguna Beach (about an hour drive south of Hollywood, maybe two hours), where the people would dress as various statues, or art work and such (like, figures in a Monet) they wore the costumes, then put on make up to match the original, and they had to get the lighting just right. Notice the wonderful lighting in the very last scene of that clip.... they don't make lighting designers like that anymore. Nice to see that sort of thing translate over to the Sonny and Cher show.
I would love to hear the Oxford hymns. Last time I went to church, it was Lutheran (which I was raised in for a while) and I STILL didn't recognize any hymns. However I'm good at faking the singing... I wonder if the English liked the same stuff the Germans do.
Must dash gotta pack to drive south... you have a happy Thanksgiving whatever you do, leslee!
This was my mischief - to redecorate the boss' bathroom while he was at Thanksgiving dinner. How'd it go? Well, I didn't get enough wallpaper. I did, but it looked so cool in all the YouTube videos, the way the models with smiling faces neatly trimmed the excess with a razor and straight edge. My razor knife turned into a bubble-maker and all looked nasty. Well, thanks to the excess I wanted to trim so neatly and didn't, I ran short, so there's a big gap - giving away my exploit. Then, I started tearing up the wallpaper as I tried to put the cabinet back on the wall - not to mention I tore the toilet seat off standing on it. (What else did I wreck?) Nonetheless, a good time was had by all. I had to special order the tile, so that didn't come in on time. I'll have to pretend I have a bad stomach ache when he's here, I guess, to do the floor.
What am I hearing? Well, I was in Kmart and I heard Britney singing "Oops I Did It Again." I remembered Justin saying he liked her, and it took me back to England. I don't think the song got that much airtime here, but it is a beautiful song. Her outfit in this video is sort of like the yellow one Mr. Hayward wore in the video with Doremi.
Then they interrupted it with some Kmart ads. When the music came back it was an awful remix of the following. I was expecting something to unfold, but it never did. I love the original. If I ever were to busk, this is the song I'd love to do a capella.
I promise to listen in a moment. I'm a poor person to ask to judge any blonde singer.... I've said before I can't tell one blonde from another... sometimes I think men can't either, they're like Moody fans who see Justin's blonde surfer mop and stop there when it comes to critical judgement.
Anyway which skinny blonde singer chick was it who selfie video'ed herself sobbing hysterically because the American people had failed to elect the first woman president??? It turned me off pop for a while, believe me. Drama fsssshtt! Besides I'm still digesting Thanksgiving.... gotta gather my wits.
Later edit: Miley Cyrus! Her. Whimpering curled up in a ball because she was afraid that Trump had been elected. (shaking head in disbelief) It was on the news it must be true.
No serious disrepair to my home while gone for a whole day... except on the back porch, one of the panels was shoved in. It doesn't seem to have been an attempted burglary (we've had some high winds in the last day, storm), but I WAS stupid enough to let the kitties on the back porch without checking first. So Sophie escaped, I managed to coax (lure) Fritz back in with a can of catfood (he's a serious pig) and I went out into the wet back yard "here kitty Sophie" in a very gentle voice despite being hysterical. She came close enough for me to grab her tail and get her.... she was a little lost I think. Whew!!!! So, much to do around here.
I stick to paint or wood paneling on walls.... hanging wallpaper is not for the faint-hearted. I'm going to have about half the living area in this house wood floored... tired of the dust in the corners.
Later edit: sorry. She got out two cute grunts (the blonde singer, whomever she is), and started squawking like a duck. I stopped it after her first line. You were kidding right? Trying to get a rise out of me? She can dance well, but so rarely can anyone dance and sing at the same time, so they have to dub her. Believe me it takes talent to do both at the same time. I'm happy for all those with Y chromosomes who enjoy it but to quote a young high school boy "I just turn off the sound and watch her, much more enjoyable."
Chicago piece is nice.... good background nothing I'd write home about. Good listen.
Over Thanksgiving one of my nephews twiddled with his cell phone and was able to bluetooth in *Guardians of the Galaxy* on his dad's telly so we all watched that. Second time I'd seen it, it's part of Marvel Universe (which is one big space opera.... running themes uniting about 15 movies now) it's very very funny, and (warning) Very PG-13 and gnarly. Something about a snarling raccoon riding an Ent with a machine gun just is beyond hysterical. I'm finally getting the plot nailed along with some of the better dialog after three watchings.
Anyway incorporated into the movie is a running theme of very lovely 80s hits, and it's enjoyable for the music. Just thought I'd send it out there. "I'm not in love" by 10cc even opened it.... very sad and lovely scene at the beginning.
I really like the chord progressions in "Oops I Did It Again" and "Baby One More Time." Really, really. The voice is as you described it. I actually watched a couple Britney videos after posting and regretted it. She was not dressed appropriately and appeared to be distorted. I'm not sure she did all the acrobatics. What do I know.
The boss' TV just said, "Return to the cliffs of Cornwall." Oh, how I would love to. They're having a Poldark (sp?) marathon. Then, the boss changed the channel back to Trump Trump Trump Trump Trump Trump Trump Trump.
I'm prying myself away from the politics. I'm sorry I can't endure her voice. I'm very very very picky about female voices. When they sound fat, lazy and like they just crawled out of bed and are whining like a baby for a treat (never mind what treat, they'd kick me off for writing it out) it's just revolting. That's not what being a woman is about, but these are the little snots who get the guys. I mean, can a woman like that cook, balance a checkbook, raise/teach a child, sweep a floor, crochet a hat? Do minor home repairs while their husband works his butt off bringing in a paycheck? I think of the sad immature men who are suckered in by glamor, a bottle of bleach and some face paint, and get whiny babies instead.... gluttons for punishment some of them.
OK sorry I ranted. Some guys get lucky and their "trophy wives" actually can do the practical things. But that isn't their selection criteria. It's weakening the race IMHO. You're right, it makes me VERY catty. hsss.
I often have trouble with a cute blonde trying to be a "wannbee" and sound like the classic black female singers of the past.... Queen Latifah has the touch, so did Whitney Houston, and Beyonce, but it just doesn't sound the same out of a white gal. I don't know who sang *The Little Mermaid* cartoon movie, but SHE had the touch. Billie Holiday had this high perky voice that still sounded "soul" but she was so unique.... she is tough to emulate/imitate. Mostly I think women should sound like themselves and quit trying to be in some "genre". Why don't they just sing and stop the whiny tone? THAT isn't soul! They should put their own emotions into it, not false drama. Streisand has a fantastic voice when she isn't trying to do soul, she just screeches when she does soul.
I'm hearing *Killing Kennedy* right now on Fox. So pertinent with Uncle Fidel cashing out this weekend. I've read all Bill O'Reilly's books, he's a good writer. My parents were not Kennedy supporters, but knowing what I know now, if I went back in time I would vote for Kennedy. I learned about the Cuban missile crisis as a 6 year old. My parents were open about it, but didn't make a big deal out of it for the sake of us kids, thankfully. But I knew. Uncle Fidel was not a cool guy, at all.
I generally am not a fan of female vocalists, either. I can't think of any female soul singers I appreciate right now, not even Bettye LaVette. I learned to sing emulating male soul singers and then couldn't figure out why people had a problem with this sweet little girl belting it out like that for the longest time.
I do impersonations. I'm a cypher, so I don't have a real voice. I try this and that and mix it up. IN FACT, walking the Evo today, it was cold and rainy, so we pretty much had the parkway trail to ourselves. I took advantage of the situation and started belting out opera at the top of my lungs. We were at the crossing of the French Broad River, surrounded by mountains, and the sound quality was spectacular. I think I attained new personal records for volume, coloratura. Well, this car stopped as I was belting out my renditions of an operatic soprano singing the Scorps' "No One Like You." I thought maybe he was getting his bearings. When I looked up to see what he was doing; he had been there so long, I noticed his window was down and he was holding up his cell phone. Maybe you'll see me - er, Evo - singing on YouTube.
I got some batteries for my keyboard and was going to practice at the office, but soon learned there were multiple kinds of 1.5V batteries. (Today I heard a funny bumper joke on the radio where the boyfriend asked if the car used an AA or 9V.) Anyway, I didn't get to practice; but fortunately, the caroling was the last part of the program, so I got to practice when others weren't practicing in another room. When others got the piano, I went into the chapel. I played only sacred selections on the organ, so the peppy pop songs were a little weak. But when I first went in the chapel all alone, in the dark, I took a moment to pray. The impression that came to my mind was that I need to take it easier on God's children. I thought of all the goofy and strange stuff that passes for love in this world, and all the childish prayers that are answered. I thought heaven must be a zany place, but I'm trying better to see good intent rather than absurdity in the world around me. Until I forget in my typical ADD fashion.
I was never much into Whitney Houston. Vocal calisthenics, where one sings the lyrics to "Old MacDonald" on a single note annoys me. The only person who I found could pull it off is George Benson. He's a talent in many formats. He was good on guitar, too:
index=8&list=PL7wbUZPGupob-w__mkzJrVeCpId7VqGJn
I was coming back to edit my last, but I can't now.... oh well. It was a little too bitter.... I have those days. I'm having one now actually but I'm going to work hard at being nicer. Sorry, it was a masterpiece of passive aggressive whining come to think of it. I'll be back later.... the George Benson video looks good.
I think I know why I'm so fond of *Guardians of the Galaxy*... some of the pop songs in it are really marvelous, like "Hooked on a Feeling" I had no idea it was Blue Swede, 1973 and further it has the great scatting thing at the beginning, rather like the scatting in "Walk the Dinosaur".......... little gems scattered all through it. That plus the outrageous sci fi humor. We're in some sort of Golden age of movie making right now IMHO.
Ah 'tis indeed good to sing at unusual times, but darn people with their cell phones. I probably would have flashed the guy or something had it been me. Gone "Braveheart" on them....
George Benson, nice! Thank you for the find.
Yea I like/d LaVette and Houston both. Too many to mention. And yea it depends on the song they do too, if you hear them doing one of their bad selections, that can turn a singer off forever, or it does with me anyway. The ones that offend yet have "made it" are the ones I remember because I yes am a mean critic at times. Nicely put about seeing good intent. All people with good hearts finally arrive at this point in life I think... it takes time and maturity.
I think it is always healthy to be critical of our president, no matter whom it is. Being surrounded by yes men unto a "yes nation" would be very dull, and they might start thinking they could get away with anything. May Congress forever be contentious and argue with the President!!!!
Another tidbit.... I was watching *Labyrinth* the other night, it had been so long since I had seen it, and I was so amazed at the design work. I never was a huge fan of Bowie, but he obviously was a very capable actor.... any girl wondering what gas lighting is, this is an excellent illustration of it. But .... wow the costumes.... they acknowledged Maurice Sendak at the end but there is also a lot of Hieronymus Bosch in it too. And the obvious nods to Alice in Wonderland and Dorothy in Oz. The make-up on Bowie.... they took all of his natural face lines, and accentuated them into the Goblin King.... I have no idea what his stage show looked like at the time. And the Muppet work, fantastic. I think Peter Knight worked on the film score. (???)
In honor of John Glenn and all the airmen, jet drivers and astronauts no longer on this earth.... on eternal patrol.
The arching sky is calling
Spacemen back to their trade
All hands! Stand by! Free falling!!!
And the lights below us fade
Out ride the sons of Terra
Far drives the thundering jet
Up leaps the race of Earthmen
On far and onward yet
We pray for one last landing
On the globe that gave us birth
Let us rest our eyes on fleecy skies
and the cool green hills of Earth
--Rhysling, poet of the Spaceways
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So much in 3 posts. I love "Hooked on a Feeling" by BJ Thomas. He did his vowel calisthenics in a way that sounded good and that I liked. I had heard BJ's version first, and then was turned off with the "oowa oowa oo cha cha cha" in the prior version. It made me think of cannibals in the rain forest.
Back to the vowel calisthenics, I never paid much attention to Whitney until one day she was on the radio, and I heard, "I love yOOOUHWAAHAWOOOO...," and asked myself, "What on earth is that?" I never liked the technique - except by George Benson - since.
I've always liked David Bowie - great singing voice, always debonair, a great dancer, endearing even when stoked on coke - but not enough to spend any money on it.
I forgetted. I absoletutely love this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7uJQvv2VLk
Still too Renaissance & Rococo, huh?
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