A good party involves all five senses: taste, touch, sight, smell and sound.  Today, we’ll focus on sound or what to have going on in the background. 

You want to have some background music.  A party is naked without it.  However, it should be played at a level that is noticeable, without being a distraction or hard to talk over.  The obvious musical choice for this time of year is Christmas music.  However, I personally prefer to combine Christmas music with regular music of the same genre to create a great mix.  The fabulous thing with Christmas music is that you can easily find it in many genres to fit your favorites: jazz, rock, Top 40, what-have-you.

Since jazz is my fave for cocktail parties, I’ll use that as an example.  From my personal collection of music, I’d mix my Christmas CDs of Bing Crosby, Louie Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr., and my personal, all-time favorite, The Vince Guaraldi Trio “Charlie Brown Christmas” with standard music of the same style: Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Krall, local crooner Johnny Reno and an “Ultra Lounge” compilation, among others.  This creates a great vibe for my party with no perceivable jumps between the regular and the Christmas music.

If you don’t have time to put together a special play list for your party, you can always go with the equally good options of the music stations on your TV (if you have satellite or another provider that offers these) or Pandora online where you can create your own music station.

It’s been a  long time since we last wrote here.  Well it’s been a long “Black Tomorrow”.  Yes Yes the previous release is doing very well. (still)  But we are here to talk about

STEVE MURRELL

He has waited patiently. With masters in hand (Macc handled the mastering again)  we thought we were good to go. But, a last the foul beast of the internet struck. And corrucpted our files not once but 2xs.  People we on edge as there was really good feedback about the release and here we were missing that “window of opportunity”.  Yesterday I finally got feedback from Beatport that the files were accepted and Dec 8th was looking like a lunch.

So, “Thanks!” to everyone that kept the faith and those who kept the boot at my neck about getting this fine release out.  There was a moment where I thought “Why Me?”  but I knew the answer….it’s because I’m that Guy.

The image is simple, but the music is complex.

This essay, Pleasure Spots, by George Orwell comes as highly recommended. He points out the obvious: that most people’s conception of what constitutes a ‘good time’ (a vacation or some other substitute, if you may) revolves around ‘never being alone’, music always playing in the background – loud enough but not so loud that they cannot talk over it, and of course, electric, artificial lights everywhere.

He also claims that this use of background music is consciously employed by bars, cafes, and even the trained citizens themselves to eradicate thought and to make people feel ‘comfortable’ in an artificial way – or, in Orwell’s own words, to make them revisit the feelings they experienced when they were inside the womb.

The music-and if possible it should be the same music for everybody-is the most important ingredient. Its function is to prevent thought and conversation, and to shut out any natural sound, such as the song of birds or the whistling of the wind, that might otherwise intrude. The radio is already consciously used for this purpose by innumerable people. In very many English homes the radio is literally never turned off, though it is manipulated from time to time so as to make sure that only light music will come out of it. I know people who will keep the radio playing all through a meal and at the same time continue talking just loudly enough for the voices and the music to cancel out. This is done with a definite purpose. The music prevents the conversation from becoming serious or even coherent, while the chatter of voices stops one from listening attentively to the music and thus prevents the onset of that dreaded thing, thought.

So even when people think they’re having a ‘good time’ they’re constantly being ‘conditioned’ in the most appropriate sense of the word – their thoughts suppressed or eradicated to the point where they can ‘enjoy themselves’ on a superficial level. Also interesting and something that I always suspected but couldn’t quite verbalize: the music is the same for everybody inside the bar/cafe. You could say this is due to the technology – but seen from another perspective you could argue that by playing the same music for everyone in the crowd, the same song with the same ‘programming’ (whether it be a news report, a song containing political or sociological lyrics)  can be redirected to anyone inside the room. For instance, if a bar plays a tune with the lyrics ‘Don’t worry, be happy’ or ‘Dance with the devil’, that will definitely have a subconscious effect on the individual regardless of his or her personal predisposition – because everyone else hears it simultaneously and statistically, someone from the crowd will respond to it in a certain manner that will draw up a conversation – or get the crowd in a particular mood. This can be noticed in many clubs and so on – that the DJs go to extreme lengths to include soundbytes from movies or popular television – and always somewhat aggressive or naughty soundbytes to put everyone in a half-aggressive/half-sexually aroused mood.

Read the essay in full here.

Footnotes

Link: http://www.orwell.ru/library/articles/spots/english/e_spots (George Orwell: Pleasure Spots)

I walk into fifth period a few minutes early.

I can hear the warm sound that sounds like smoke circles from the 20s. The lights are a soft, yellow color, making the outdated, beige walls look creamier, like home. There’s carpet that was once blue but is now gray and there are lockers that are teal, lockers that are left unlocked a lot of the time. People trust each other here. This is band; who would want to steal someone’s textbooks? But Austin warned us about leaving our books in our lockers and I am cautious. I lock my locker.

This room feels comfortable. Like how it felt with Salvador. A slow ease spreads over my body and I walk over to the marimba to play a little bit with Yuki. I pick up some mallets and try to play along as she and David play Scharton together. The warm up is a nice, ethereal sound, a calm, melting melody. It sounds like background music when the hero walks into a cavern and realizes it would make a great hiding place.

And I try to play it but am soon left behind. They are more advanced than me. Yuki taught me a little of the song, but it’s only a few measures. So I lower my mallets and look as their hands move swiftly over the instrument, striking notes that sound like coffee and fill my head with ideas. I stand, watching as Yuki’s mallets fly across the marimba.

And then a purple jacket comes into view. My thoughts rush, becoming a train wreck. He’s not going to say anything to me. He’s going into the director’s office.  That’s all. That’s all. That is all.

But he walks over to me and his face brightens. He says my name loudly. It took him long enough to learn it. “Minerva! You don’t know how to play Scharton?”

I shake my head. “No.” I say it softly, so softly I can’t even hear myself above the marimba.

“I’ll show you how!”

And I stand there for a moment, unsure of what to do. He motions for me to come out of the little enclosure I’ve locked myself into, between the marimba and Meghan and the gong. So I step out and give him my mallets with shaking hands. And he waits for a moment to see when to jump in.

And he does.

And I hear the pipe smoke sound of the marimba being weighed down with a sour note. Something is deeper, but he’s playing on the higher octave, so I can’t see that it’s him. But he continues for some seconds and stops. He examines the others’ fingers. The freshman fingers. He is A Senior, someone who should know how to play a warm up by now.

He jumps back in and I hear the anchor again. Some deep notes, maybe a half step off, but enough to throw me and think twice about letting him show me how to play.

He stops and asks someone where we are and he starts there. More foulness. He stops when everyone else does and I thank him for showing me, though it all went through one ear and out the other. And, because it sounded like bile, I won’t pay any attention to the placement of his mallets.

I can be in denial a few weeks longer.

I know some people have background music on their blogs or websites, but I’ve never been tempted so far -  in fact I usually have the speakers switched off when I’m browsing. But I’ve been listening to music tonight while relaxing, having gone as far as I can this afternoon putting the next book together, and it’s been my usual random choice of whatever I fancy at the moment – a bit of tenor jazz, some medieval polyphony, some Cohen, some Zappa – you know how it goes. What would I choose to put in background on my website? No idea. And on this blog? Haven’t a clue. What would you put on your site, Gentle Reader? And why?

Welcome to Part One of a new series here at WDW Central, The Elements of Disney Theming. This time, we’re going to look at something that really makes or breaks many themed attractions – this one factor is so important regarding the theme of an attraction and its believability. It is: The MUSIC.

MUSIC sparks MEMORIES. When you’re at home sitting in your chair all depressed because your next Disney trip isn’t for a year, what would happen when you heard a few bars of a classic Disney song? It would probably perk you up – whether it be It’s a Small World, Grim Grinning Ghosts, or Soarin’, music is important – when heard, it will bring back many pleasant memories.

MUSIC creates MOODS. This is one of the main reasons music is so vital to an attraction’s theming! Music sets the mood and tone of the whole experience, whether you consciously think about the music or not. Take The Haunted Mansion, for example. From the moment you walk in, you hear that slow, creepy organ playing in the background. This takes the experience to a whole new level by adding that emotion that heightens the experience’s reality.

MUSIC in the BACKGROUND. Music is not only used in these themed attractions; it’s also in the background pretty much every second of your time in the parks. Whether you officially “notice” it or not, area music is always playing in most areas – and Magic Kingdom, Epcot, DHS, and Animal Kingdom all have different areas with different styles of area music, always matching the theme of the area you are in.

On a side note, Disney is very clever about disguising their speakers on attractions and in walking areas. Look to the right (from left to right: In Tomorrowland, these rounded ultra-modern speakers fit right in; On Splash Mountain, speakers are disguised as birdhouses to keep the music flowing; At Animal Kingdom, the speakers blend right in with the polls and African-style design). Click pictures to enlarge.

Parades are no exception. I went to the Universal Christmas Day Parade, and was disappointed. The individual floats were the only things producing music – so when there were gaps between floats (pretty much every time), it was awkward silence. Of course Disney has this covered. They have hidden speakers on 2nd story windows and balconies that play the instrumental background music of the parade, while the floats each have an individual different arrangement that accompanies the BG music. Just another way Disney has thought of everything!

This has been an extremely long post – there’s just so much to talk about! Agree? Disagree? I’d like to hear your opinions on this article – how Music is a vital part and one of the main elements of the Disney theming. The Disney difference.

Share this post on Twitter

If there was ever a need for a soundtrack…this is the time and the era.

Our goal was to create a cd release that would be the soundtrack for the coming age. A Sonic template of what is to come. Sure people make cds all the time..but the songs were created, selected and arranged to give you the complete impact as to what we see and hear about the future of life.

So first read the song titles.

then

Listen with your eyes closed.

BLUEPRINT “FLYING LOTUS”
09 Blueprint – Flying Lotus by BLACKREIGNRecordings

DEEPFOCUS “OPEN”
07 DeepFocus – Open by BLACKREIGNRecordings

MIK “DEATH of ALEXEI”
06 Mik – The Death of Alexei by BLACKREIGNRecordings

ACOUSTIKS “INTO THE UNKNOWN”

08 Acoustiks – Into the Unknown by BLACKREIGNRecordings

Q- BRICK  “SHE CRIED”

Q – brick – “She Cried” (Black Reign OG) by Point9Audio

APOK  “NOCTIS”

Apok – Noctis (Black Reign OG) by Point9Audio

LIVEWIRE feat. S.C.   “LET’S ROLL”

Livewire ft. S.C- Let’s Roll (Black Reign OG) by Point9Audio

If you sit at a desk all day or perform the same mundane task hour after hour, then you may be seeking ways in which to make your time go by faster. Background music is an excellent way to speed up your day and make you feel as if your hours are simply flying past.

Many businesses use stock music for their customers as well as their workers. Factories around the world typically have music playing in order for their workers to have something to listen to while they work. It simply makes sense that playing music in the background would be beneficial to workers. It helps to raise motivation and motivation is needed in order to meet deadlines or production limits.

Playing music in the background of websites has become very popular. Many online businesses provide music to give their viewers a more positive experience. When working, music playing softly in the background can help you to stay productive and to spend less time watching the clock. In fact, studies have shown that workers who listen to music throughout the day spend less time looking at their watches and more time working productively.

Whether you own a business or work for someone else, music can help you to pass the time. Those who cannot spend time throughout the day getting up from their desks and talking with co-workers can significantly benefit from playing music. Having interesting music playing will help you to focus more effectively. It simply helps workers by making time go by much faster than without any music at all. The next time that you find yourself watching the clock with time just barely crawling along, try listening to royalty free music. You will find that when your focus is averted time seems to take on a new and faster speed.

This is it.  Sonic Branding 101.  Let’s start by taking a little quiz; if you pass you don’t even need to read the rest of this post.  If you don’t pass, you’ll catch up fast I promise.  Ok, here it goes.

Sonic Branding Placement Quiz

• The term “sonic” in sonic branding refers to my favorite drive-in chain with those amazing deep fried onion rings and that delectable beverage better known as Diet Cherry Limeade.
• The term “sonic” in sonic branding refers to the little blue hedgehog from Sega videogames.
• The term “sonic” in sonic branding is related to the latin root word for sound, “sonus”, in reference to sound waves.  (cough, cough).  Sound is often used to communicate a brand personality or theme.  (my that was a suspiciously long answer compared to the other choices…)

And the answer is…uh, the last one.  Sonic refers to sound.  Sound branding.  I think you already knew that, but didn’t this quiz make you feel like a linguistic dynamo? Now read the rest of the post.  It’s not like I’m making you pay for credit here.

Sonic Branding Basics

Sonic branding popularity really does come in waves. In the 1950’s, 1960’s and even 1970’s we saw a lot of jingles in TV and radio commercials.  In the 1980’s, 1990’s we watched pop artists like Michael Jackson, Britney Spears and even Chris Brown rocking out to support their favorite brands.  Today, we have sonic logos for Intel, T-Mobile and several other companies.  Sonic logos pair a short animated visual with a short melody…we’re talking in the 3-5 second range.

As you can see, sonic branding comes in many different packages: to make it easy, let’s learn about the basic categories of sound first.

Categories of Sound

According to Dan Jackson’s book Sonic Branding, three types of sound create the building blocks for sonic branding: ambient, vocal and musical melodic sound.

Ambient: Ambient is a sound that you may hear in your natural environment, but is not necessarily a naturally occurring sound.  Car whizzing by on the freeway and a babbling brook both represent ambient sound.  Ask two questions when trying to identify an ambient sound:

1. Is this a spoken sound?
2. Does this sound have a musical melody and rhythm?

If you answer “yes” to either of the above questions, the sound is probably not ambient, but rather falls under one of the other categories of sound.

Vocal: This is a voice, a spoken sound or words.  Pretty simple.

Musical melodic: Music comes in many different shapes and sizes.  However, if the sound is not an ambient sound and possesses a rhythm and melody then it is a musical sound.

A lot of traditional sonic branding used musical melodies to brand products: Oscar-Meyer, Chevrolet, and Coca-Cola.  These melodies stick with us, become part of our culture.  Take a look at Coca-Cola, they have kept that same happy feeling in their Open Happiness campaign while keeping their music fresh and current. This isn’t a jingle though, it is a licensed song written by Calvin Harris.  Under musical melodies you have a few categories:

• Tracking music/Background music
• Licensed music from artists
• Licensed music written for the advertisements
• And…jingles

We’ll really dive into the categories of musical melodies in a later post.

Can you think of your favorite song or melody from a commercial?  Why did you like it?  What made it stand out as unique or different?

I used GarageBand to create the background music and action’s sounds. Music style is traditional Chinese music. The background music make users happy, exiting and relaxed.

Click Link to listen: http://www.neobadesign.comxa.com/dsdn232/backgroundmusic.mp3

This is a bit of the old and the new…but still good.
We will have new bits uploaded today and ready to showcase a load of new material for September and October release season

Like all things, there is no such things as a “over night success”. Sure people can call it that, but many fail to realize the amount of BST (blood, sweat and tears) by the helped to make that Success happen.

This is no difference for DECADE and DJ Stav, a up coming producer and the veteran dj, located in the Midlands, UK. This release was a creation which started in 2007, well before Dj Stav was a partner and then continued while James started cutting his teeth with Stav as a promoter/dj in the Sheffield area. It’s a journey that will not be traveled by many and the songs and their title reflect that journey.

What should you expect on this releases? It’s a bit of everything for everyone one. From straight tech classics with “Barbarian” to dance floor tunes in “You the People ” with its classic freedom speech to to deep heart felt half tempo track “Cry”.

Check it out on Beatport exclusively this week. With Juno, Chemical, Beatsdigital, Ithinkmusic and Digital Tunes to follow shortly.

End of the month will will have limited edition of 100 cd created to celebrate this releases. Secure a “Point for the Future”!

production: James Green and Chris Staveley artwork : James Green
label: Point Audio Music Group: Point9Audio
Contact Point9Audio@gmail.com

For updates and label release news
Myspace
Point Audio Blog

Sales Sites
BEATPORT

By: Mark H. at http://backgroundacoustic.com

 Do you know how some guitar players practice most days of the week, work hard, and are passionate about their guitar playing, but they always struggle to be able to play guitar the way they want? They are frustrated because they don’t improve fast enough, begin doubting their guitar playing potential, or even feel discouraged or angry with themselves when thinking about how long it is taking them to become a better guitar player.

Can you relate to that? I sure can, I just described myself many years ago.

There are specific reasons why guitar players go through such frustration and disappointment. Here are a few mistakes guitar players make and repeat over and over again that you should definitely avoid.

1. Teaching Yourself To Play Guitar. Many people attempt to teach themselves how to play guitar. Yes, it’s true that some well known players were ‘somewhat’ self taught, but I do not suggest following that strategy even if your favorite player was self taught. If you are 100% sure that you can build powerfully effective learning and training systems on your own, that’s great. However, if you are like most of us, doing it alone is the hardest, most time-consuming, stressful, and frustrating way to learn anything.

2. Taking Guitar Lessons From Ineffective Guitar Teachers. Unfortunately, most guitar teachers receive ZERO training on how to teach guitar. What is worse is that the vast majority of teachers do little or nothing to improve their guitar teaching skills. Of course there are some highly effective guitar teachers around, but there are a whole lot more ineffective teachers. Stop by my website http://backgroundacoustic.com and you will find some great online resources for guitar instruction.

3. Seeking New Guitar Information (tricks, tips, tab) Without A Proven Strategy To Reach Your Specific Musical Goals. We need information, advice, help and music to play, but without a proven strategic learning and training process that is specific to you, your skill level, your musical style and what you want to be able to do as a guitar player… won’t get you where you want to go. It is better to first seek help in developing a customized strategy for you to become a better guitar player. After that strategy is in place, then it is time to deal with learning the right information.

4. Not Knowing Specifically What You Want To Be Able To Play. Most guitar players are not specific enough when they think about (or tell others about) what they want to be able to do with their guitar. To say, “I want to play whatever I wish to play” is too vague. How can you (or your guitar teacher) develop a specific and effective guitar training strategy unless the goals you have are specific? It’s like saying you want to be a great athlete, how can you effectively train with such a vague goal? Sure there are things you can do to become faster, stronger, more flexible or whatever, but it’s much easier if you first get specific such as, I want to train to be a gymnast, or a long distance runner, or a body builder. Yes you can still improve without a strategy, but it will take a lot longer and be much more frustrating. You can always change your goal later if you discover you want to do something else instead.

5. Learning From Too Many Different Sources Of Information. There will always be many learning opportunities and various paths to take, but it is critical that you do not get distracted into following a piece of advice from one person, then another piece of advice from another person and then follow more resources from somewhere else and so on and so on… while different people may have some good ideas to offer, the fact is, distraction is a big reason why many guitar players who are actively learning, don’t really move forward quickly… these people are always busy following totally different resources, teachers, philosophies, instructional videos, free online guitar lessons, but all of this leads them to take one step forward, then 2 steps to the right, then one step forward, then 3 steps to the left, then one step backward… you get the idea.

Once you have an effective strategy to become the guitar player you want to be, ALWAYS stay focused on it (unless your goals radically change)!! The very best way to do this is to have ONE primary guitar teacher who helps you to become the musician you really want to be.

This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take advice from other people too, but you should have one ‘primary’ source of information, training and coaching, and see the other advice as an additional resource, but do not become distracted by it. If you like acoustic guitar music and need some ideas; come to  http://backgroundacoustic.com  for a good start.

Here we are, our blog is going along nicely and then

POW!

I had a moment of clarity. Where I wanted to know how many people would really support our music in a tangible format.
I mean sure we sell loads of digital downloads. But, purchasing a cd is a commitment to something that is finite. Something
that is more than just 01010101s in the cloud.

So, I want to find a site that would allow me to
1. Build a fanbase
2. All that fan base participate directly with the label
3. Insure the fan base that money isn’t being spent unwisely
4. Give something back for their pledge

I found such a place

OBJECTIVE:

Raise enough money through donations to print the fist 100 cds for my label, Point Audio

TERMS :

If we reach exactly $250 by November 30, 2009, then we will send all person who donated $5 a copy of the cd prior to the release date.

Understand the one key factor in giving a pledge to this site.
“I can’t receive and money pledged to the campaign unless I meet my stated goals”

People this is something that should be followed with every fund raiser, political campaign whatever.
State your goals and Work hard to meet them! Then remain accountable to those that helped
you achieve your goals.
(send this to your congressman! maybe they could learn something about keeping a promise)

And remember “PASS IT ALONG TO OTHERS”

Because sharing everything is the first step in understanding
equality.

Shiraz Events founder Shai Tertner is a lifestyle expert that has helped some of the most well-known hosts in the Hamptons put together memorable fetes. Check out his lifestyle advice in this months’ Manhattan Magazine and MetroSource NYC.

We sat down to speak with Shai about his top 5 secrets for summer entertaining which will be posted in parts:

“In the current environment people still want (and need) to have a good time. However, people are finding that they need to be a bit more creative to maintain their typical standard of style with their new found budgets. Even the most relaxed summer parties require a certain amount of planning. Here are my tips for scheduling and entertaining in the Hamptons this summer:

 1. Set the mood for guests as they come back to your house from a day at the beach. Bossa N’ Marley’s, Bossa N’ Roses, Bossa N’ Stones CD plays Bossa Nova reproductions of very familiar songs by these famous performers (Guns and Roses, Bob Marley, and The Rolling Stones). These collections of songs are great for lounging, or for background music while having dinner. Those CD’s music can be downloaded from iTunes. 

2. If you have ever visited Brazil you would know that Brazilians are fun loving people and can have a wonderful time with very little. Combat the summer heat and create a Brazilian Caipirinha bar complete with a colorful selection of fruit. This will add an interactive element to your event, and will allow your guests to choose and customize their cocktail.

This is actually very easy and inexpensive to do: Pick up fresh fruit from a fruit stand during your trip to the cottage. These will become your central ingredients for the weekend’s signature cocktail.

The Strawberry Cherry Caipirinha

Leblon Cachaça

• 2 oz. Leblon Cachaça
• 3 Strawberries
• 3-5 Cherries
• 1/4 Lime
• 2 tsp. Superfine Sugar or 1 oz. Simple Syrup
• Glass-Rocks

Muddle the lime, strawberries, cherries and sugar in a shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and add Leblon Cachaça. Shake vigorously. Serve in a rocks glass. Garnish with a strawberry.

An alternative…

 The Strawberry Basil Caipirinha

Leblon Cachaça

• 2 oz. Leblon Cachaça
• 3 Strawberries
• 3 Basil leaves – torn
• 1/4 Lime
• 2 tsp. Superfine sugar or 1 oz. Simple Syrup
• Glass-Rocks

Muddle the lime, strawberries, basil and sugar in a shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and add Leblon Cachaça. Shake vigorously. Serve in a rocks glass. Garnish with a strawberry.”

Stay tuned for more of Shai’s Tips!

Typing this update from my phone- finally. Short and sweet, which is not the norm for me but I will go with it. Listened to some oldies at a `que today and it included the Eagles. Great summertime band- my family would play them for cookouts because of their southwest country vibe and the general lightness to their well-crafted songs. Hearing them makes me thinkvof good times outside with good food and good people.

10:00 pm: Tonight, we dance!  Friends and I went out to the Phoenix Landing for some 80’s dancing fun.  It’s a favorite of mine, because I get to hear so many good songs from one o fmy favorite decades in cheesy music.  There were a couple of MJ hits, the requisite Madonna classics, and a number of others I can’t remember because I had far too much adult beverages.  Regardless, a good time is always had.  I am not sure what it is about dancing to 80’s and top 40 songs that makes for such a fun night out, but I am pretty sure it has to do with being comfortable in being ridiculous.  There is other music that I guess I would consider fun but more serious in nature- like I mean to be dancing, ut with frivolous music there’s no pressure to be good.  And I am not… so I am okay with that.

v1::Leonard Cohen

I cannot say I have read Leonard Cohen. I want to, most definitely. I just have not had the pleasure yet as it is not something that is readily available in my neighborhood used book stores.

Yet, I choose him as my first subject for Lit Track because he is as integral to my reading experiences as the books themselves. The man is brilliant. His words, along with the reverential music quietly infiltrates your subconscious and helps you to delve deeper and deeper, deeper and deeper into whatever you are doing – including concentrating on another’s words, plot, and story.

It does not matter if I am reading Douglas Adams, Neil Gaiman, Madeline L’Engle, Roald Dahl, Herman Hesse, or Kate Atkinson, or Fannie Taylor. The genre, likewise, is irrelevant. I can still laugh, still cry, still become introspective. It is really because Leonard himself is that type of person – he cannot help but convey a myriad of emotions with one simple phrase.

I saw Leonard live a few months ago. In person, I began to relate even more to him. It wasn’t that he was sad. It wasn’t that he was happy. It is that he was morbidly joyful. He expressed every grey-area emotion on the spectrum, and invited all to join. You couldn’t help but want to be there with him.

The only concern I have now is that I concentrate more on Leonard’s words. I find myself eagerly listening to the rhythm of the lyrics and the meaning behind his voice. It has changed a bit for me, but it will always be my choice for background music during a good evening read.

Now, I just need to read his words, rather than hear them. I bought the book of longing tonight…I am excited.

I also found this tonight:
Tom Robbins thoughts on Leonard. Seriously.