PINK MARTINI

Curious really, just when Martini launch the pink version of their famous beverage, I go and discover this group that's been going for fifteen odd years. This is their web site and you'll find there everything you'll want to know about them.

http://pinkmartini.com/home/
And here's a video of their song "La soledad" (Loneliness). Lovely "Chopin" piano intro, rich tenor voice and a sensually delicious tango rythm that simply seduces your body into swaying to the music, all combine to make listening to it a truly enjoyable experience which I strongly recommend, just as I urge you to listen to "Splendor in the grass"; a simple country tune (reminiscent of "Burning Bridges" from the Kelly's Heroes film) with simple country lyrics, leading in to a slow version of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concierto nº1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZyp2j3Jabg

Lyrics and translation below the video (Thank you youtube.com and MagicBlondGirl). Photos on the left.




Viniste a mi como poesía en la canción
(You came to me like poetry in a song)
Mostrándome un nuevo mundo de pasión
(Showing me a new world of passion)
Amándome sin egoismo y sin razón
(Loving me without selfishness or reason)
Mas sin saber que era el amor
(But not knowing that it was love)
Yo protegi mi corazón
(I shielded my heart)
El sol se fue y yo cantando tu canción
(The sun went off, and I remained singing your song,)
La soledad se aduena de toda emoción
(Loneliness robs me of all emotion)
Perdóname si el miedo robo mi ilusión
(Forgive me if fear took away my yearning)
Viniste a mi no supe amar
(You came to me, I did not know how to love you)
Y solo queda esta canción.
(And all that is left is this song.)

REGINA SPEKTOR AND GENIUS NEXT DOOR

This song (from her latest album "Far") was sent to me recently by my son. The lyrics haven't stopped haunting me since.

Regina Spektor, an American, Russian-born singer, has a lovely voice and apparently writes very poetic songs. This particular one, "Genius next door", has a very soothing piano, backing her remarkably cool voice. No real emotion, just stating matter-of-fact what must be a typical tragedy in our society.

Porridge for prison? Prison being the closed circle kids find themselves thrown in when they enter the "lake" - an apparently beautiful drug paradise/wonderland- and/or the jail they eventually end up in; but they don't care.

The neighbours avoid talking about it - can't draw attention to their community, house prices would fall, scandal, shame, etc. - or find excuses "enchantment, weather", whereas the media is constantly looking for precisely that sort of thing to sell more papers, more TV programmes, though they treat it as an everyday affair "coffee, doughnuts". The garbage collectors just limit themselves to clearing the rubbish (syringes, corpses, etc.)

The chorus line:"Hold in your breath 'till you come back up in full" = pot, etc.
Whereas the second time she adds "... you fool!" = warning. The two sides of the same coin.

The genius is the youngster who goes about his ordinary, excitement-free life, ignored by the other kids, but secretly envying them. In the loneliness of his private world he has to resort to his hands, "his secret", for sexual satisfaction and "to get high".

Various photos on the left.

For other interpretations of this song try the following web:
http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/3530822107858590066/

For more info on RS: http://www.youtube.com/user/spektography

For a full biography go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regina_Spektor

Spanish readers will find all, or at least most, of her songs translated here:
http://www.letrasyletras.com/cancion/559578/Regina-Spektor_Genius-Next-Door.html

Here's the video, courtesy of youtube.com and spektography (thank you), followed by the lyrics. Enjoy.

Some said the local lake had been enchanted,
others said it must have been the weather.
The neighbors were trying to keep it quiet,
but I swear that I could hear the laughter.
So they jokingly nicknamed it "the porridge",
'Cause overnight that lake had turned as thick as butter.
But the local kids would still go swimming, drinking,
saying that to them it doesn't matter.
If you just hold in your breath 'till you come back up in full.
Hold in your breath 'till you've thought it through, you fool.
The genius next door was bussing tables,
wiping clean the ketchup bottle labels,
getting high and mumbling German fables.
Didn't care as long as he was able
to strip his clothes off by the dumpsters
at night while everyone was sleeping
and wade midway into that porridge;
just him and the secret he was keeping.
If you just hold in your breath 'till you come back up in full.
Hold in your breath 'till you thought it through, you foolish child.
Ah! Ah!
In the morning, the film crews start arriving
with donuts, coffee, and reporters.
The kids were waking up hungover.
The neighbors were starting up their cars.
The garbage men were emptying the dumpsters.
Atheists were praying full of sarcasm,
and the genius next door was sleeping,
dreaming that the antidote is orgasm.
If you just hold in your breath 'till you come back up in full.
Hold in your breath 'till you thought it through, you foolish child.
Ah! Ah!

MICHAEL JACKSON - A TRIBUTE

So much has been said about him that there is very little I can add; only my own impressions. Sadly, he ended up a grotesqque caricature of what I considered to be a real genius.

Unlike the other "Kings" - Elvis (rock) or Sinatra (swing) or Lennon (composer) - in addition to having a good voice and a talent for acting (see his thriller video) he could dance ..... and HOW he could dance! The man literally re-invented dancing - especially group dancing - and gave it the modern look. His choreographies were impeccable, creative, imaginative. His influence over stage dancing today is undeniable.

I want to remember him, though, as he was, in his original self, not as the surgically remastered figure that emerged in later years. That's why I chose this song, Ben. Sung in the early seventies - he was still singing with the Jackson Five then but was beginning to make a name for himself - it features the original Michael Jackson, with an excellent, though slightly immature voice. It also shows a really touching innocence which, unfortunately, was not going to last very long. I've often wondered if he didn't see himself as Ben and yearned for someone to sing this song to him.

Ben, the two of us need look no more / We both found what we were looking for /
With a friend to call my own / I'll never be alone /
And you my friend will see / You've got a friend in me (You've got a friend in me)
Ben, you're always running here and there (Here and there)
You feel you're not wanted anywhere (Anywhere)
If you ever look behind / And don't like what you find /
There's something you should know / You've got a place to go (You've got a place to go)

I used to say, "I" and "me" / Now it's "us", now it's "we" (I used to say, "I" and "me") (Now it's "us", now it's "we")

Ben, most people would turn you away / I don't listen to a word they say /
They don't see you as I do / I wish they would try to /I'm sure they'd think again / If they had a friend like Ben (A friend) Like Ben (Like Ben) Like Ben.

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..

On the death of BO DIDDLEY

The great man has just passed away.

Most of my younger readers have probably never heard of him. He created the rythm: TUM - tu - tum -TUM - space - TUM TUM (also known as the Bo Diddley beat and copied since by a large number of groups and singers).

You can read his full biography in English at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bo_Diddley

and in Spanish at:
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bo_Diddley

Here's a great video (posted by "fredys" on youtube.com - thanks, fredy) taken from the 1972 or '73 film "Let The Good Times Roll". It shows Bo Diddleys in great form; a truly unbeatable sound.

Lyrics: With a beat like that...... WHO NEEDS LYRICS!

Belinda Carlisle

Belinda Carlisle's fans will know that she was the lead singer of the all-female group "The Go-Go's". Gifted with a powerful voice, she was one of the founder members of this New Wave music band. The Go-go's broke up in 1985.

B.C. went solo and, in 1993, she released her album "Real", her fifth, which was quite different from her previous work. "Big Scary Animal" , from this album, was an instant hit.

I like this song, especially the introduction. The heavy drum beat, reminiscent of a jungle tom-tom, really does transmit the strong animal feeling that passionate love can lead to.


Lyrics on the left.

For more information, try these links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belinda_Carlisle
http://www.musica.pro/artistas/Belinda-Carlisle/