Somewhere

If there's nothing that upsets me more, it's the idea that a group of young kids who join a gang, thinking that by causing mayhem they'll be accepted.  By causing mischief and committing heinous crimes, a group of kids- kids who have so much life to live, can ruin lives forever.  Yes, gangs are horrible indeed.

Worse yet, are dancing gangs- gang members who plie and chasse in one moment, and stab you in the next.  This frightening idea seems to work in "West Side Story" and I'm obligated to share the song stuck in my head today, which is from this overly dramatic production.

For those not familiar with "West Side Story," it's a retelling, of sorts, of "Romeo and Juliet."  Two groups oppose and fight each other with intolerant fear, with seemingly no purpose except  unnecessary rage and hate.  Then the unlikely happens, two individuals from opposing sides fall in love, a sappy love which is forbidden and fatal.  The audience weeps and wonders why there is so much hate in the world, and the story is recycled again... see "Aida" "Cleopatra" and Disney's "Pocahontas" for similar stories.

Forgive my cynicism, there was a time when I truly loved "West Side Story" and I suppose I still do, but for me, the magic is in the music more than it is in the sappy story.  Watch it again, either on stage or film, and ask yourself, "is this truly the way that people behave?"  I have a hard time swallowing it, but that's just me, and this is my big criticism.  Regardless, Leonard Bernstein (with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim) have created some of the most unique and beautiful melodies of the 20th century in this production.  There are many songs I would love to share with you, but today I'm stuck with probably the sappiest one, "Somewhere."

This song is song when Tony and Maria realize that their love is troubled and they long for a life where they can love freely (they've known each other for a day and (**SPOILER**) he just killer her brother) without outside factors forbidding their love.  Here is "Somewhere," a lovely melody and beautiful song and ultimately something to which all who have struggled to find a place in life can relate:

                                                 

I might get some crap for even slightly criticizing a show that is sacred to so many, but here I am and this is my blog so neener neener I'll say it anyway.  I hope it's clear that I love the music from this show.  I've been involved in three productions of "West Side Story" and in the end, I suppose I'll always love the show.  I'm certain many other great songs from this show will work their way into my gullible brain and I'll be happy to share them as they come.  

Don't Leave Me

Who's having a great day?  I'm having a great day.  I turned 35 yesterday.  I don't feel old yet, but I wondered what I would look like as an old man, so I hired a professional age enhancing service- you know one of those uber-professional people who take a picture of you and use computers and science and stuff to make you look like you're a lot older than you are.  I was really impressed and happy to know that I age really well guys!  Here's a copy of the picture for you to see!

Oh, I bet you're wondering what song was stuck in my head this morning?  I won't make you wait any longer.

It's by the legendary Harry Nilsson.  Man, I love this guy and I love his music and it breaks my heart that few people know who he is.  The song is "Don't Leave Me" from Nilsson's 1968 album "Aerial Ballet."  It's a short song, only about 2 minutes.  Throughout the song he scats, and man, his vocals are just so rad that I am blown away.  He makes it sound effortless.  And scat almost seems like an unfair word to use... what he does is so uniquely Harry Nilsson (he does this sort of thing on many of his songs) that it almost warrants its own word.  If you don't know who Harry Nilsson is, please change that now by listening to some of his songs.

Us

Well, Regina has found her way into my brain again this morning.  If you notice on my blog, I keep track of the artists I write about here on the right side of the page.  Regina Spektor has now caught up with The Beatles for the most songs discussed here.  They are tied at 7 each.  Who will win?  No one knows.

Are you impressed with graphic design ability?  I would be if I were you.

Anyway, here is "Us" a great song from Spektor's great album "Soviet Kitsch" my favorite of all her records.  Check it out if you haven't already.  Have a listen to the song that was stuck in my head this morning:

Let It Go

This song was bound to find its way into my brain for four reasons:

1.  My kids sing it ALL THE TIME.

2.  We recently bought the soundtrack for this movie.

3.  We recently bought this movie.

4.  With the John Travolta Oscar goof up last Sunday, I've had this song going through my head all week.

And now there's a 5th reason, I just saw this film today.  May I just say, that computer animation has become so advanced?  "Frozen" had some beautiful visuals.  My kids also know these songs back and forth, and sing along while watching the movie.  I have a feeling I'll be writing more about the catchy songs from "Frozen" in the forthcoming weeks.

Speaking of John Travolta, if you haven't had a chance to try the Adele Dazeem name generator, it's time to check it out.  Certainly plenty of celebrities have goofed up in one way or another over the years, and in spite of the media talking about Travolta's error almost endlessly, I still find this one particularly funny.  Forgive me for regurgitating it here as well.

Spring is in the air.  Go frolic in the fields with someone you love.

Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough

Michael Jackson was something else, and today's song is a credit to him as a song writer, singer, dancer, and performer.

Today's song came to fruition when Michael Jackson, at the age of 20, sought out a career on his own, independent of The Jackson Five.  He wrote and composed the song himself and it quickly became a number one hit.  I've always loved the feel and sound of this song, his falsetto and the lyrics which I feel are impossible the understand.  Enjoy:

I really love songs.  I can't get enough.  As a society, I don't think we properly listen to music.  How often have you sat down, quietly and just listened to a song?  Have you ever marveled at the beauty of a melody, a clever hook, a smart lyric, or an intelligent chord progression?  Songs are so easily accessed in this day and age, that they are far too often playing in the background, present but ignored and forgotten.

A song is a work of art.  It has singing, poetry, music.  There are so many ways to put a song together between lyrical content, instrument choice, harmony, chords, and voice.  It can be ugly.  It can have a beat.  It can be sad, happy, or anything you want it to be.  It can be subjective and ambiguous.  It can challenge you.  It can profoundly speak to you in a simple way.  A good song will stick with you always, never to be forgotten.

I'm glad I have this blog where I can express myself and my love of music.  If anyone takes anything from this post, I hope more than anything that you'll take time to appreciate music as a work of art.  Take time to really listen.  Enrich someone else's life by sharing a song with them that you enjoy.  Spend some money on an artist you respect, buy his/her CD and encourage the creation of music, which often times is a difficult and unpredictable career.

If anyone is reading this and feels like posting a comment, I'd love to hear about one, or a few songs that you love.  I promise you I will listen to the song if I've never heard it, or listen to it again more in depth if I know the song already.

Have a great week all.