Friday, January 22, 2010
No-show
Due to unexpected call volumes at work (where I usually write this) I will be unable to post anything of substance this week. But have a great weekend and tune in for more details!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
A listen to The Girl In The Other Room
About a week ago I found myself with a Wal-Mart gift card and decided to spend it on an album, which is a rare treat for me. A debate with myself ensued over which to purchase before I finally decided on Diana Krall's The Girl In The Other Room. I've been a fan of her music for quite some time now but this is my first time purchasing something comprising of just her work. It was waiting for me when I got home last night and I excitedly tore away the packaging and put it in the cd player like an excited kid at Christmas.
I was immediately taken by the first track: "Stop This World" enters dramatically with Diana's serious jazz piano chops and sultry voice grabbing you and demanding your attention. "Almost Blue" is one of those classic, languishing piano lounge-type ballads that emphasizes the natural beauty of her voice. Other songs I'd recommend include "Narrow Daylight", (my personal favorite) "I'm Pullin Through", "Love Me Like A Man" and "Abandoned Masquerade".
One of the reasons I love this set and her music is because unlike quite a bit of jazz out there, it's accessible. Her songs are both beautiful and easy to listen to without pretentiousness or too much complication.
Overall, 4.5 our of 5 stars.
(Note: I am not a professional critic, musician or anything else but a fan of great music. And this, my friends, is great music.)
I was immediately taken by the first track: "Stop This World" enters dramatically with Diana's serious jazz piano chops and sultry voice grabbing you and demanding your attention. "Almost Blue" is one of those classic, languishing piano lounge-type ballads that emphasizes the natural beauty of her voice. Other songs I'd recommend include "Narrow Daylight", (my personal favorite) "I'm Pullin Through", "Love Me Like A Man" and "Abandoned Masquerade".
One of the reasons I love this set and her music is because unlike quite a bit of jazz out there, it's accessible. Her songs are both beautiful and easy to listen to without pretentiousness or too much complication.
Overall, 4.5 our of 5 stars.
(Note: I am not a professional critic, musician or anything else but a fan of great music. And this, my friends, is great music.)
Friday, January 8, 2010
The million dollar man
So the alarm I have set to wake me up each morning is currently set to "If I Had A Million Dollars" by the Barenaked Ladies. The other day it got me thinking. What woulld I do with a million clams? Spend it on junk or save it?
The correct answer is both. If I had it at this exact point in my life I would start by paying off my bills. Then I would put some money away for a house, my upcoming college expenses and purchase a small, pracitcal car.
After that I would invest in quality photography and audio equipment and put the remaining funds into my future children's college savings. Or maybe the other way around on that last one. But it would be put to good use, that's for sure.
The correct answer is both. If I had it at this exact point in my life I would start by paying off my bills. Then I would put some money away for a house, my upcoming college expenses and purchase a small, pracitcal car.
After that I would invest in quality photography and audio equipment and put the remaining funds into my future children's college savings. Or maybe the other way around on that last one. But it would be put to good use, that's for sure.
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