Speaking of 'Classical Meets Contemporary'...

After listening to the 'pop' version of 'Jupiter' I was reminded of another classical/pop cross-over that was on the charts shortly after Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin set foot on the Moon.

I do not know anyone that dislikes the last movement of Beethoven's 9th Symphony, aka Song of Joy.
Music like that, which stands the test of time deserves respect if nothing else.

So getting back to 1970's "Himno de la alegría", believe it or not, this song (and all the "Heyward/Lodge" Moody Blue's stuff) helped me to become interested enough to seriously listen to Classical music while I was still thriving on The Beatles, The Who, The Stones, and on, and on...

A piece from The Planets

I am not a know-it-all where 'classical' music is concerned. I've listened to more then most people I know, but that doesn't count for much. There are a number of works I truly enjoy, one of the being Gustav Holst's; The Planets.
Somewhere, some how you've heard bits of this wonderful compilation of music, be it a disc, a commercial, or a movie soundtrack.

I was just poking around in YouTube and found this contemporary take on "Jupiter" by a Japanese pop star named Ayaka Hirahara.

Here's the translated lyrics...
Every day I listen to my heart to find I'm not alone 'cause you're a part of me deep in my heart forever and ever. The star that shines upon all of us over time, endless time has told that it's a wonder that we have forgathered. Every day I listen to my heart We know we're not alone. This universe is holding all of us in its loving arms.I ask myself what can I do for you with these two hands of mine. Let me touch softly your pain away

Some purists will see it as blasphemy, just as they did Emerson, Lake, and Palmer's work in the 70's... but I LIKE IT!

The Greatest Rocker You've Never Seen!

Okay, I know there are so many thousands of good musicians and performers out there.
I know the number narrows down greatly when you speak of great musicians and performers.
And then there very few, the elite that everyone knows by name.

Here's a band I used to follow some twenty years ago.
I always hoped someone that had video of at least one of the band's shows, and tonight I found several on YouTube.

Ronald Koal was as good a lead man as I've EVER seen perform.
If you've read my post on the bands I've seen you know that's putting him in some great company.
Fortunately the videos include the band members that I think were the best incarnation of The Ronald Koal Band.
UNfortunately, the sound quality is sadly lacking.

But it's the best I can find right now, so I would like to share someone you should have seen 20 years ago.

Ladies and Gents, the GREATEST Rocker you never saw... Ronald Koal








...in another incarnation of the band,  covering Iggy!
This video was shot on the same stage where "Dimebag' Darrell of Pantera was shot to death, weird, eh?

A Momentary Lapse of Reason...

It's been a while since I've posted, but not due to a lapse of reason.
I've had this stinkin' flu and it's not real easy to 'feel' motivated to do anything.

Regardless, I will take the time to post the latest trailer from the BBC for November 15th's airing of The Waters of Mars. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a7bJPY0jws&annotation_id=annotation_148494&feature=iv


I have no idea when it will air in the U.S., or if it will be on BBC America or SyFy.
It doesn't matter to me, because I'll watch it on my TV via YouTube.

Finally, I'm not much for sports these days, but it always makes me happy when the New York Yankees win ANOTHER (#27) World Series!

Finally to all my friends in Great Britain; Happy Guy Fawkes Day!