In Process...

so, I have several "working posts" - hopefully I can finish them within the next week, but some are dependent on my time availability (it is hard to write about things you haven't seen or heard)

in the meantime, I am looking for new ideas.  So, what do you want to read about???

please leave your prompts/ideas/questions/concerns/etc.!!!

(and vote in the poll on the left side of the page...down a little bit)

Play On ~ CD Review

Play On ~ Carrie Underwood ~ 2009 ~ Arista

Carrie Underwood's third album starts with a bang!  The catchy crossover song about a bad boy pulls you into the album.  Although the fun bashing continues later in the album (guys may not appreciate it), the next couple songs vary greatly in character.  The organisation of the album in that respect is superb - everything is mixed up, no song follows another of the same character - something that has also been a given in the previous two.  Carrie manages to fit love ballads, punchy songs about revenge, heartbreak songs, fun and in love, and inspiring songs all on one album - with only thirteen tracks, and all of them are enjoyable.  (Isn't there usually at least one song on every album that you don't like?  I don't have that with Play On).
One new aspect of this album is Carrie's greater personal involvement - she has been helping write her songs.  And you can hear it.  "Mama's Song" and "Look At Me" especially reflect her life recently.  (She got married recently you know!)
Another new addition to Carrie's collection is the crossover duet with the Sons of Sylvia (also a great band to have a listen to).  "What Can I Say?", a song of mutual heartbreak, the character of the song is one not represented by the others on the album, maybe only because it is a duet and Carrie is still the main feature of the track.
The album closes with the title track - an incredible, inspiring piece with its own bang - one of those "never give up" songs, but one of the best I've heard.  The lyrics in some way address any problem you could be having, some more metaphorically than others.  Five stars!

Celtic Rainbow ~ CD Review

Celtic Rainbow ~ Various Artists ~ 1999 ~ Owl Records International Limited

A phrase that came to mind listening to this album was "Tour of Ireland" - via music.  This album visits musical styles from Ireland going back to the traditional Celtic sounds that many people think of coming from that region of the world to the new-age pop-style with small appearances from a Celtic rock sound.
The beginning of the album sounds vaguely Enya-esque with a touch of the Titanic soundtrack suspending the listener in earthy-airy-flowing vocals and instrumental lines.  Even before looking at the titles of the tracks, one can see the images the titles seem to intend.  However, the beginning of the album becomes mundane as there is not enough variety in the styles, rhythms, pulse, and instrumentation.  Many of the first tracks could potentially be used for meditating with the stark similarities between the tracks, the deep soothing qualities letting you relax but not encouraging sleep.
The second half of the album leans back to the traditional Celtic with folk tunes, love songs, and traditional dance tunes.  Be aware of the two Christmas carols stuck in the middle of the album - although the arrangements are intriguing.  "The First Noel" is sung in Gaelic and has a very modern backdrop; "Ave Maria" is completely instrumental - a harp like instrument plays the melody and embellishments.  After the flash to the past, the listener is revisited by modern-sounding music.  Track 18, "White Velvet", sounds like a Celtic-influenced Barry White or Neil Diamond and Track 19, "Spirit of Ages", takes the listener to a night at an Irish disco.
Overall, this is a great way to expose someone to world music - maybe don't listen to the tracks in order though.