OJOS DE GATA - CAT'S EYES

This is without any doubt one of the most beautiful Spanish songs I have ever heard. The tragic death by overdose in 1999 of the singer, Enrique Urquijo, only adds to its everlasting magic. It tells of the time he met a girl and discovered he was only a simple human being.

I saw Los Secretos at the Luz de Gas in Barcelona in one of the last concerts they gave before he died. The group goes on, with his brother Alvaro at the front.... but its not quite the same.

The video is courtesy of youtube.com and, especially, jmartiramos. Thank you both.
Lyrics below, together with translation.

Fue en un pueblo con mar
(It was in aseaside town)
una noche después de un concierto.
(One night after a concert.)
Tu reinabas detrás de la barra
(You ruled behind the counter)
del único bar que vimos abierto.
(Of the only bar we found open.)
"Cántame una canción al oido
("Sing a song to my ear)
te sirvo y no pagas."
(I'll serve you and you won't pay.")
"Solo canto si tu me demuestras
("I'll only sing if you show me)
que es verde la luz de tus ojos de gata."
(that the light in your cat's eyes is green.")
Loco porque me diera las llaves de su dormitorio,
(Crazy for her to give me her bedroom keys)
esa nioche canté al piano del amanacer todo mi repertorio.
(that night I sang to the dawn's piano all of my repertoire.)
Con el "Quiero beber" el alcohol me acunó entre sus mantas
With an "I want to drink" I settled between her sheets)
y soñé con sus ojos de gata pero me olvidé que de mí algo esperaba.
(and I dreamed of her cat's eyes, but forgot she expected something of me.)
Desperté con resaca y busqué pero allí ya no estaba.
(I woke up with a hangover a looked for her but she wasn't there.)
Me dijeron que se mosqueó porque me emborraché y la usé como almohada.
(They said she got angry 'cause I got drunk and used her as a pillow.)
Comentó por ahí que yo era un chaval ordinario.
(She said I was nothing but an ordinary fellow.)
Pero ¿Cómo explicar que me vuelvo vulgar
(But how do I explain that I become ordinary)
al bajarme de cada escenario?
(Everytime I come off the stage)
Pero ¿Cómo explicar que me vuelvo vulgar
(But how do I explain that I become ordinary)
al bajarme de cada escenario?
(Everytime I come off the stage.)

PAVAROTTI

Two years ago, the world lost a magic voice, a voice that has enchanted millions of music lovers. Today, I'd like to remember Pavarotti not only as a great opera singer, but especiually as a man who managed to get close to the ordinary people with his repertoire of popular songs. I wonder if in heaven the angels have stopped singing in order to listen to him? WIKIPEDIA HAS AN EXTENDED BIOGRAPHY WITH SEVERAL LINKS. YOUTUBE, OF COURSE, HAS A VERY LARGE SELECTION OF HIS MUSIC.

I had the good fortune of being able to see him, together with Josep Carreras and Placido Domingo, in their last World Tour Concert on 13/7/1997 at Barcelona Football Camp; an unforgettable experience.




That was one of my favourite songs (sung by Pavarotti, of course, although in this case we also have Placido Domingo and Josep Carreras - three for the price of one!). Here are three more: two are popular Napolitan songs - "Mamma" and "Torna a Sorrento". The other one is an extraordinarily beautiful Aria, "Una furtiva lacrima". Check out the great Caruso's version at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t936rzOt3Zc

FRANZ FERDINAND

I suppose we all did something stupid at some time or other in our life, something we regret having done, something we probably wish we hadn´t done.

I remember a boat moored on the Thames. We were about 20 at the time and we'd had quite a bit to drink. We thought it would be fun to watch it drift down the river. So, we uncoiled the rope and gave it a little push. We then watched, first amused, and then horrified as the current gently steered it to the middle of the river towards rhe lock that loomed a short distance away in the darkness. We ran like there was no tomorrow.

SO WHO, AMONG ALL THE RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE OUT THERE WILL PICK UP THE FIRST STONE AND THROW IT.

I like this song. I like its message. I like the rythm, the music, the drive. I especially like the video, giving the impression they're walking on a treadmill in a gym, but in a very determined fashion. Good on you, lads. Sock it to them! as we used to say in my time.

Do the lyrics really need explaining? You can find some interesting comments on:

http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/The-Fallen-lyrics-Franz-Ferdinand/A368DAF6BE8037BA48257083000B359D

Here's the video, followed by the lyrics.

The Fallen - Written by: Al Bana, Al Shamobi, Marchand

LILLY ALLEN

Born in West London, this 23 year old singer was “discovered” by a teacher while she was singing an “Oasis” song in the school playground. A childhood full of contrasts – she lived in a council house but went to expensive public schools – might have been the reason for her excesses in drinking and smoking, both of which got her expelled from school and into trouble later on in life. (See full biography at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lily_Allen

Her fear that the world as we know it is doomed, that creativity will eventually disappear and that sponsorship will pay for everything is clearly evident in her latest song “The Fear”. This last point is particularly worrying when you see famous people, such as actors, public figures, sportsmen and sportswomen, advertising from shampoo to cars. Surely these people earn more than enough from their activities. They do not need to advertise and take away the bread from honest, hard-working models and advertising actors and actresses, do they? Her statement in the song that taking your clothes off is not shameful is a clear indication that our moral values have suffered a serious battering. Having taken your clothes off, what do you do next to attract attention; have sex in public? Well that’s already happening on internet, with webcams, and on our mobile phones, with videos cameras. God help the coming generations.

Here’s The Fear. Video (courtesy of youtube.com) followed by the lyrics. Enjoy.


I want to be rich and I want lots of money.
I don´t care about clever I don´t care about funny.
I want loads of clothes and fuckloads of diamonds.
I heard people die while they are trying to find them.

I´ll take my clothes off and it will be shameless,
‘Cuz everyone knows that´s how you get famous.
I´ll look at the sun and I´ll look in the mirror;
I´m on the right track yeah I´m on to a winner.
[Chorus]
I don´t know what´s right and what´s real anymore.
I don´t know how I´m meant to feel anymore.
When we think it will all become clear,
‘Cuz I´m being taken over by The Fear.

Life’s about film stars and less about mothers;
it´s all about fast cars and cussing each other.
But it doesn´t matter cause I´m packing plastic.
and that´s what makes my life so fucking fantastic.

And I am a weapon of massive consumption,
and it´s not my fault it´s how I´m programmed to function.
I´ll look at the sun and I´ll look in the mirror;
I´m on the right track yeah we're on to a winner.

BARBRA STREYSAND

What an artist! Pure magic in her voice… and such lovely songs! She has also managed to do something quite unique ….blend her voice perfectly with that of other equally great and gifted singers. I’m thinking especially of Barry Gibb (Guilty), Celine Dion (Tell him) and Neil Young (You don’t bring me flowers). Her version of Memories (from the musical “Cats”) is absolutely stunning. And what about “The way we were”? I could go on forever. Thank you, Barbra, for those wonderful, magical, unforgettable and unrepeatable evenings by the fireside, listening to your absolutely enchanting voice.
Here she is, singing “Run Wild”, one of my favourites, from the album “Guilty”. Words & music by the Gibb brothers.

I wandered into your wonderland with eyes open wide.
You turned me into your yesterday, but you will remain inside
of me, like I care for you,
Oooh, I care for you.
Run wild,
out on the edge of time, child,
carry your dreams away, love.
No one can hurt you now,
for you are an island.

I may be broken, but understand, my love will get by.
There will be others along the way, my love, they will try
to care for me like I care for you,
Oooh I care for you.
Run wild,
out on the edge of time, child,
carry your dreams away, love.
No one can hurt you now,
for you are an island.

ELVIS

A belated Happy New Year to all. I thought it would be nice to inaugurate it with an Elvis Presley song. I was, and remain, one of his greatest fans. The outstanding quality of his voice, his musical range, the warmth he transmits, make him, as far as I am concerned, the best pop/rock singer ever.

I especially loved his early songs. Then he started to make those awful movies! Some of the songs in them were quite good, though. Nevertheless, my all-time favourite is not one you hear very often. In fact I'm prepared to bet most of you have never heard it. It's called "There's always me" and it really is one the most beautiful and tender songs I've ever heard. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Written by Don Robertson, it was recorded by Elvis in 1961 in Nashville.
I couldn't find a "live" video, but this one's not bad. The pictures are relaxing and the words on the screen are clear. The sound is very good. Thanks YOUTUBE, and thanks Jokarilon.

A BEAUTIFUL DUET

This is a lovely song recommended to me by my son and his wife. It was sung at the 2007 Latin Grammy Awards. One of the best duets I've ever heard, Andrea Bocelli (tenor) and Laura Pausini, both italians, were probably the best part of the evening. The melody is so powerful and the words are just so ... right. Live your life without fear; you need experiences to create memories.

Here's the video, with lyrics below. (For an English/Italian version click on Dare to Live photo on the left)


VIVE YA -
Sung by Andrea Bocelli and Laura Pausini

Mira el mañana ahora y no al ayer y las cosas que dejaste atrás
y las palabras tiernas, sin decir abrazos que no encontrarás.
Rostros sin nombre van entre la gente. No hay nada cierto, todo es aparente.
Yo tan solo tengo a mi vida

Vive ya, atrévete a vivir a fondo. Vive ya, que tus recuerdos van pasando.
Vive ya, intenta dar a los demás de ti hasta cuando pienses que no tienes nada más.

Mas si tuvieses al hombre al pie de los balcones, que duerme envuelto entre cartones.
Si tu escuchas al mundo una mañana sin el sonido de la lluvia. Vos que no lo creas estás presente. Tú, piensas en lo que piensa la gente. Dios, después de ti estás sólo tú

Vive ya, aunque ninguno te ha enseñado. Vive ya, no se puede vivir sin un pasado.
Vive ya, espera aunque no lo pediste tú, porque canciones siempre habrá y siempre alguno que las cantará.

Vive ya, buscando el amor verdadero
(¿Por qué, por qué, por qué, por qué, no vives esta noche?)
Vive ya, sabes muy bien lo que te estoy diciendo
(¿Por qué, por qué, por qué, por qué …..?)
Vive ya, atrévete a vivir a fondo
(¿Por qué, por qué, por qué, …?)
tu vida solo puedes dar porque ya es tuya
(¿Por qué, por qué, por qué,……?)
Vive ya...
Te digo no ...... Te digo sí ....... Atrévete.... Y vive

A HAPPY SONG

A few days ago, I found myself humming a catchy tune. It was a while before I realised what song it was and it took me back to my teens, and my first girlfriend, Rosemary (Rosy). I wonder what’s become of her? Anyway, here’s the song, “Love grows” by Edison Lighthouse (singer Tony Burrows – who left them only a year later) -a lovely, happy tune from the late sixties. Believe it or not, this group is still in demand as a live act, a testimony of their ability to entertain audiences.
Hope you enjoy it; Lyrics below the video.


Words and music by Tony Macauley & Barry Mason
She ain't got no money, her clothes are kinda funny, her hair is kinda wild and free.
Oh, but Love grows where my Rosemary goes and nobody knows like me.
She talks kinda lazy and people say she's crazy and her life's a mystery.
Oh, but Love grows where my Rosemary goes and nobody knows like me.

There's something about her hand holding mine, it's a feeling that's fine. and I just gotta say:
She's really got a magical spell and it's working so well that I can't get away.

I'm a lucky fella and I've just got to tell her that I love her endlessly,
because Love grows where my Rosemary goes and nobody knows like me.

AMY WINEHOUSE

What can I say about this remarkable English singer (London) that hasn't been said before? 25 years old, jazz/soul, MTV award, Grammy Award, Best Song Award for "Rehab", Best female singer, best..., best... & best... I could go on.

Just listen to this tremendous voice singing a really powerful song: Rehab by Amy Winehouse - from the album "Back from Black". The video is from the Glastonbury Concert.
Lyrics below. Enjoy

(official page - worth a visit: http://www.amywinehouse.co.uk/)


They tried to make me go to rehab, I said no, no, no. Yes I been black, but when I come back, you won't know, know, know. I ain’t got the time and if my daddy thinks I'm fine. He’s tried to make me go to rehab, I wont go, go, go.
I’d rather be at home with Ray. I ain’t got 70 days, 'Cos there’s nothing, there's nothing you can teach me that I can’t learn from Mister Hathaway. I didn’t get a lot in class, but I know it don’t come in a shot glass. They’re trying to make me go to rehab, etc..
The man said, why you think you're here? I said, I got no idea. I'm gonna, I'm gonna loose my baby, so I always keep a bottle near. Said, I just think you’re depressed, kiss me, yeah baby, and the rest. They're trying to make me go to rehab, etc.
I don’t ever wanna drink again I just, ooo, need a friend. I'm not gonna spend 10 weeks, have everyone think I'm on the mend. It’s not just my pride. It’s just till these tears have dried
They’re trying to make me go to rehab, etc..

BYE BYE BLACKBIRD

There are so many versions of this old favourite that it wasn't easy to decide on one in particular. It really is a sad song, but so many singers give it a happy treatment. I'm not sure about its origins though it would appear that it was composed by Ray henderson (music) and Mort Dixon (lyrics) in 1926. I chose this very pretty, slow version sung by Olivia newton-John in the opening of the film "The Wilde girls" where she stars with her daughter.

Peggy Lee's version is also an interesting one, though a little older, as it includes a spoken part. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYHeiSz425A&feature=related)

Here's the song. Lyrics below. Enjoy.


Pack up all my cares and woes, here I go, singing low. Bye, bye, blackbird.

Where somebody waits for me, sugar's sweet, so is he. Bye, bye, blackbird.

No one here can love or understand me,

Oh, what hard luck stories they all hand me.

Make my bed and light the light, I'll arrive late tonight. Blackbird, bye, bye.

ELTON JOHN

Which song? There are so many. Daniel? Nikita? Candle in the wind? The man's a genius and his music has rocked us and knocked us during the last four decades. Crocodile Rock? Need I go on? Anyway, one of my favourites is this one: "Something about the way you look tonight". Great lyrics, beautiful music, and Elton sounds at his very best. The model, of course, is Kate moss... at HER best. Lyrics below. Enjoy.

Something about the way you look tonight.
Music by Elton John - Lyrics by Bernie Taupin
Available on the album The Big Picture

There was a time, I was everything and nothing all in one. / When you found me, I was feeling like a cloud across the sun. / I need to tell you, how you light up every second of the day. / But in the moonlight, you just shine like a beacon on the bay. /And I can't explain, but it's something about the way you look tonight, takes my breath away. / It's that feeling I get about you, deep inside. /And I can't describe, but it's something about the way you look tonight, takes my breath away. / The way you look tonight. / With a smile, you pull the deepest secrets from my heart. / In all honesty, I'm speechless and I don't know where to start. etc..