And so the Alpha Beats journey continues, with tomorrow’s offering of one hour of music I file under the letter “V”. Now, as we approach the difficult “X” show I’ve been anticipating/dreading, it occurs to me there’s a sizable potential out in the fact that, as stated, this year-long musical 26-program excursion is being dictated by my filing system. Should I decide in four weeks that Kate and Anna McGarrigle‘s albums will now be filed under “X”, there is little opportunity for listeners to challenge the host’s decision. For the record(s), I do not intend to alter my filing system for the occasion. Well, I may blur the edges somewhat by declaring Xavier Cugat or The Ex to be eligible, but again, the host’s decision is final. And I do hope you enjoy it. Continue reading
Snorri’s album reviews
A new feature, in which our resident reviewer Snorri gives a new release a sniff, then lets you know whether you should lick it, eat it, or pee on it.
This week, Kelly Clarkson’s Greatest Hits: Chapter 1 (and nothing says a career is about over like a greatest-hits album subtitled “so far” or “volume 1” or some such optimistic declaration).
So, Snorri, how does the new Kelly Clarkson CD rate?
No surprises there, really.
Filed under Snorri's Album Reviews
the storyteller revisited
I see by the ever-reliable date-stamp on this here blog that it’s been a week since we last spoke. Time for me to check in, then.
I tentatively began this stream primarily as a means to keep in practice as the world of journalism crumbles around us. I’d pitched a handful of stories to a website called OpenFile, which took the drastic action of dodging my solicitation by folding. I’ve also sent the occasional story-idea the way of the Citizen, a paper to which I have contributed a number of reviews and features. Indeed, weeks before I launched the latest version of this blog (initially taking the internet’s thirst for self-indulgent writing to its ultimate level by informing no one of its existence), I offered to the Citizen a lament for the impending loss of the institution that is the department-store restaurant. Nothing. Continue reading
Filed under Media
Drake tunes are on their way
Nick Drake released but three albums ‑ the last, 1972’s sublime Pink Moon, a bittersweet charcoal sketch of beautiful things to come. Alas, at age 26, he left this world, forever to remain a treasure to be discovered by discerning listeners of each subsequent generation.
Nick Drake released but three albums ‑ the last, 1972’s sublime Pink Moon, a bittersweet charcoal sketch of beautiful things to come. Alas, at age 26, he left this world, forever to remain a treasure to be discovered by discerning listeners of each subsequent generation.Friday, at the First Baptist Church, you can discover anew the music of Nick Drake, as a dozen or so notable notables pay homage to the man and his music.
It’s music that has endured, deftly dodging trends to remain the essence of pure artistic expression. The passage of time has, if anything enhanced the beauty of Drake’s stark imagery and haunting melodies. That the troubled artist behind the songs of Bryter Later, Five Leaves Left and Pink Moon died tragically, and prematurely, inevitably adds to the appeal.
“I have a very strong memory of hearing his voice and immediately it spoke to me,” singer-songwriter Kurt Swinghammer recalls of his introduction to the unique vocal and guitar stylings of the late composer. “As time went on I was surprised to realize not that many people or musicians were aware of him.” Continue reading
Filed under Music
Talking about U
Funding drive is heading into the home stretch, set to wrap up Sunday evening. And once again I thank those that pledged during my Alpha Beats show, and all those that support CKCU and community radio.
Speaking of Alpha Beats, the bi-weekly Monday-morning program returns this week with the next letter in the alphabet: U. That means a mere five shows to go after this one, after which time I’ll have to come up with a new concept for a show. Or maybe I should start thinking about it now. For the moment, though, the focus is on continuing our 26-episode journey through my record collection, one letter at a time. Good news for Ugly Ducklings and Undertones fans, no doubt. And, thanks to the station’s loyal listeners, better news in that there will be more rock and less talk than the T show, which while stellar, did suffer from a surplus of begging. Thanks again for your support.
Oh, that’d be (and in fact is) 10 a.m. Monday, 93.1 FM. Or, if you prefer, ckcufm.com, any time you like.
Like so: Alpha Beats past
Filed under CKCU
Wig Bubbles 