Songs of Soul

“If you liked my singing please give me some money to buy a new shirt for eid”

This is what this kid was saying after singing some songs in the local bus. It has been sometime since I rode in local buses. Back then, they used to sell low-priced chocolates saying that would help them a lot. What struck me was that I didn’t care much about eid being preoccupied all the earthly stuff we do for living but this kid was singing for a new dress for eid. I even forgot the joy of new dress in eid. This made me realize what eid was for and what it meant to me when I was at his age.

Of course this can be a scam, most of us seen that over years. But, this is the first time I think I will try to be optimistic.

Watching TV with my husband I saw the ad for Coming Home: The Soldier’s Album. I couldn’t help but remember the movie, ‘Flags of our Fathers’.

Just in case you haven’t seen it, the movie tells the story of the six men that held up the flag in Iwo Jima (Japan) during WWII.  A photograph was taken of this and it became a symbol that represented hope to the American people. As a result the three surviving men in the photo were brought home, to raise money for the cause.

The movie gives a more intimate look into what was really going on. Then men on both sides were being slaughtered and were left traumatized by the whole experience. When the three soldiers were brought back to the U.S. to go on a sort of fund-raising tour they were disgusted by the way the entire thing was being handled. The real heroes had died in Japan (or were dying) and they were being dragged around from state to state being forced to perform like trained monkeys. They were told to tell the masses to  “Buy the War Bonds to help the soldiers.” The men felt exploited and disgusted that they were being paraded around like the saviors of the American people, when their only real contribution was having been there at the right moment to be photographed.

So now with wars being fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, three soldiers from the UK have recorded an album of songs that is being heavily marketed to the public. The underlying message is to buy the album and support the troops.

See the resemblance now?

However, it can never be as successful as the campaign in WWII to buy “war bonds” was. Simply because the public is better informed thanks to the advent of the internet, which has made access to live footage and news reports available instantaneously. However, capitalizing on the fact that its almost Christmas added to the  sentimental value the public associates with the album, producers are expecting to cash in. (One outlet even offered a free Christmas card with the purchase of the single.) The album made the UK Albums Chart and reached a peak position of 4th place.

I have no doubt that the resemblance between the feelings the soldiers are struggling with today and those in WWII is uncanny. The troops are wondering what the heck they are doing over there in the first place. They are watching their men die on a daily basis, and want nothing more than to just come home.

The case is always being made that those who don’t support the war don’t support our soldiers, and are thus unpatriotic. That is nothing but the proponents of the war’s way of giving themselves the upper hand in the public eye. Focus on who is unpatriotic and call each other names, instead of asking why the boys are being sent off in the first place.

The truth is that the best way to support the troops is to bring them home.

When we realize that, and it is actually turned into a reality, then maybe all the troops will have an opportunity to sing.

Saturday reminded me of the times when I used to sing, of the rehearsals and the emotions at the final rehearsal. It seemed that time wasn’t there. We were working long hours, days and nights just to feel prepared on the stage. Wasn’t the performance but the rehearsals that made those times so special. It did not always matter whether it was good or not..it just marked the end of the moments we felt so alive.

Saturday was special. I went to Nijmegen for a classical concert. During the day I had a walk in the city. Autumn there is  the most beautiful combination of grey and brown. I know it isn’t the nicest association that would come in one’s mind but it surely has a certain type of cold beauty.

The evening was getting a bit warmer with Verdi, Mozart and Wagner. The one hundred men chorus performed fragments from the composers operas. It was completely relaxing, I did not feel the three hours passing. I would like to know more about this wonderful music. It’s famous, it is easily recognisable…it is however difficult to get to its substance. It managed to make me feel like singing again…?

In the break..

Yes, things have changed overnight. Coming from out of nowhere these two have managed to steal pole position already, and the viewing figures just keep rising. Well done girls! If you haven’t yet caught the hype then go ahead and check for those flicking kicks at 0.12 or that double team at 0.32 to see how to really shake your maracas.

And what a cheery performance it was too. Mexhhhico!

Other acts that we think deserve your viewing support are Stan and Lombardo.

Stan was on the way to see his son. Even though he’s a bit older than many of the other competitors he gives it literally 110% (even feeling the need to get down low towards the end!) which really is what we’re all about here at MexFactor.

Lombardo is a handsome fellow who was passing through the station with his wife and, as luck would have it, he had already performed with the band at his wedding just a few months before! He treats us to over three minutes of pure mariachi singing that makes for a truly moving performance. Check it out and I’m sure you’ll agree.

Keep viewing, and keep voting…Buena Suerte!

(…just follow the link here, http://www.youtube.com/TheMexFactor)

Ah, finally a break from my studies. Well, a bit of a break. Technically I still have stories that I need to write, but…

Jamming out to Lady Gaga. Ah, a delicious guilty little pleasure hidden in my MP3 player. Yeah, you know what I am talking about. When I strut more than usual, when I walk with a distinct dance-like rhythm, chances are that one of my guilty pleasures is pulsing through my headphones. Chances are that I am exercising every ounce of control to stop myself from bursting into song and dance.

Now all I want to do is drink and dance. What can I say, I am a sucker for kick’n beats and synths…and rum =D

Boom, bump that track!

Just had a mental flash-back.

Last nite, i had a super weird dream, in which i dreamt i was on a beach, but wearing the attire of Ursula (/Vanessa-in human form) from The Little Mermaid. It was overcast, w/patches of sun breaking through the clouds, lighting up my blonde hair. The wind was blowing my dress behind me, as i was running down narrow, cobbled streets, almost as if i was somewhere enigmatically foreign. Then my point of view changed, almost as if i was watching myself from a balcony, looking down, being a voyeur to the action.

See what i said about weird.

Mais uma illustração feita pro Illustration Friday, o tema dessa semana é “Música”, e eu mais uma vez com uma illustração infantil. Feito com aquarela.

(One more illustration done to Illustration Friday, this week theme is “Music”, and I once again with a children illustration. Done with watercolor.)

The race is on, and temperatures are rising!

Here’s a quick congratulations to our top scorers at the end of day one.

Well done first of all to Leila who really put her back into it with a very imaginative take on traditional Mexican dancing from the waist down that’s clearly proving popular. Hats off to her, and hats off also (literally, two of them, straight off the mariachi musicians’ heads) to Amy & Amy for a super lively performance that’s got them storming up the rankings!

The top three players at the moment however are as follows – Aida, who has clearly managed to catch your attention with her winning smile and shrill shrieking tones, is in 3^rd position, whilst Luke, with his more than subtle charm (and woolly hat!), is currently sitting comfortably in 2^nd place.

BUT – at the moment Emil is your number one. His fast footwork and Movember appeal have been keeping those views coming in thick and fast. Caliente Amigo!

So there you have it. Keep checking back for updates from the MexFactor team.

Remember positions can change overnight! So whether you’re a Stan fan or you just like Lisa, it’s up to you to get them that bit closer to the holiday of a life time.

Keep viewing, and keep voting…Buena Suerte!

(…just follow the link here, http://www.youtube.com/TheMexFactor)

Not only did Adam Lambert top the bizarre charts with his outrageous musical performance last night at the American Music Awards, a few other “singers” deserve a mention.

Let’s start with Rihanna. This poor girl needs a little more help in the feel- better-category. Her mad house tribute certainly told the tale of a woman mixed up beyond belief. Having been a victim of abuse, she definitely has a long and winding road ahead. Figuring out why and how abuse happens to you is not a frivolous topic, nor is it something to be glossed over or ignored. Her performance on the American Music Awards solidified her journey. I’ve never been a fan of Rihanna, and won’t likely start now considering her “singing” doesn’t even sound like the verb, and her visuals left me running for the door. But having said that, if you like her sound and her troubled interpretations, enjoy.

And then there was Lady Gaga. I have heard that she has a really good voice, so I was ready and willing to listen. I watched past the weird, unbecoming outfits and her breaking of glass, to see her finally get to her piano. Once there she slammed numerous wine bottles against the keyboard, and when that happened  I actually heard what sounded like  a woman with a decent voice. That sound didn’t last, and I kept asking myself, what is with all the glass breaking and the piano catching fire? I mean really, was that necessary? Perhaps the words of the song made the whole theatrics plausible, but honestly who keeps listening when you’re afraid the whole set may go up in flames? She may have a good voice but it is overshadowed by outrageous and ridiculous events.

Oh well, I guess it was just another night at the AMA’s. Most outrageous winner…..probably still Lambert.

Gather we lovers singing our hearts out,
into bliss we climax in crescendo,
and repeatedly rise and fall,
soaring our hearts high–
our egregore reverence.

With elation we breath sweet lush vapors,
subtle elements in sound,
dazzling vibrations in light,
and melting together in harmony–
our love shining bright.

We grow higher as our celebration continues,
flashing smiles,
peels of laughter,
so blissed out are we to move as one–
leaping into beloved’s abyss,
dissolving primordially,
singing an ecstasy.

Fuiiyoo!!…panjangnya nama…

Papa and Umi really spend a lot of time thinking the right name for our first princess…we bought a book on Islamic names…hoping and praying that the name that our princess will hold, will be a doa for her…protecting her from all negative influence around her…so that she can survive in this world when papa and umi are not around anymore for you our dear princess…remember Allah will always be with you…

The meaning of the name is “Very Bright and Pure Dignity“…Papa and Umi pray that Iffah will lead her life with Dignity and Principe

Umi dan Iffah sokong PAS

Nur Iffah Alya Nasuha

Iffah is a very special child…and very smart too…let say sometimes she will surprised us with her vocab…

Like the other day…On Saturday, while Umi teaching Iffah playing preshcool Disney online game …in that game you must follow the little chicken track…so it show 2 junctions one with the chicken’s track and the other dont have…

Umi: Iffah…nak pegi left or right?mana yang ada chicken punya leg
Iffah: Umi…bukan chicken leg laaa umi…foot print bah…
Umi: (terkedu tanpa suara)…

Iffah is a reliable little girl terms and conditions apply ,she can take care her sister and tell Qistina what the dos and don’t s…She can play with her and love her although most of the time Qistina will smack Iffah, Iffah will only reply “No Qistina…No”

Sayang Iffah kat Qistina

She love to dance and she can sing her own composed song..(lagu buat sendiri..hahaha)…motivated by praises…(minta puji sket…hehehe)

The Milwaukee Choristers will hold auditions for new members on Wednesday, December 16th, 2009.  Music Director James B. Kinchen, Jr. will begin hearing singers starting at 6:30 p.m. at Wauwatosa Avenue United Methodist Church (1529 Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa).   Appointments are recommended and can be made by e-mailing auditions@milwaukeechoristers.org or by calling (414) 354-1933.  Walk-ins will be heard in between appointments as the schedule permits.

CLICK HERE to read some helpful tips before you audition.

Singers accepted into the Milwaukee Choristers will join the group for rehearsals beginning in January.  Regular rehearsals take place every Wednesday evening from 7:15 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. at Wauwatosa United Methodist Church.

I love music!!! I love music since I was a baby. But since I went to Aus, I stopped playing/singing. Thanks to Brio, I pick up this passion again.

My guitar skill is not articulate yet. But I’m working hard. One day I wish to express my emotion thru music. One day, I wish to play music with tension, with emotion, with texture.

For now, I’d use my voice.

Aaaaaaaaaagnuuuss deeeeiiii.

Lady Gaga will sing for the Queen of Great Britain, at the Royal Variety Performance fundraiser.

The 23 year old singer is the latest added to the list of those who will perform in front of Queen Elizabeth, on December 7.

Best known for her downright surprising appearances, Jessica Simpson will perform next to Bette Midler, Michael Buble, Miley Cyrus and Whoopi Goldberg.

在沖米海兵隊音楽隊ドリル演奏
「Sing, Sing, Sing」
指揮：上級准尉　フォレスト Q. ブラウン
ドラムメジャー：上級象徴　マイケル R. モントーヤ

I like this duet, Looking For Paradise, sung  by Alejandro Sanz and Alisha Keys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hs2urn8nztY

Me gusta mucho la musica en espanol.

-Glenn

www.glennishere.com

www.glennisgreen.com

6:00am. Too early. Can’t sleep. Bread. Grackles. Sing. City Lullabye. 8:30am.

Driving in the car with my kids this morning a Miley Cyrus song came on the radio. I started to change the channel and I was verbally attacked. “STOP!” they cried, “We LIKE that song!” I turned to my daughter, age 17, surely a voice of reason. “Seriously?” I asked her. I mean, I get #1son and #2son liking it. It’s pop music and they’re 5 and 6. “Yeah,” she said to me with a look that said she was more than ready to defend her position.

I don’t get it. And quite frankly, I’ve never gotten it. Even way back in the day of Fleetwood Mac. I loved Fleetwood Mac. But Stevie Nicks? Her voice sounds like a cigar smoking chipmunk to me. (Uh-oh. I just lost a few readers I fear.   Thanks for stopping by!) When I hear her version of Silent Night on the album “A Very Special Christmas” it’s like nails on a chalkboard to me. How dare she massacre such a sacred song?

But then, I liked Rush. And Geddy Lee’s vocal quality isn’t exactly pure. Or Janis Joplin. Or Kim Carnes. Or Bon Scott of AC/DC. Even Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles had a touch of that chipmunk quality. But I could listen to her without cringing. What was it about Stevie Nicks that bothered me so? And what was the secret to her mass appeal?

And then along came Britney Spears. My daughter was in early grade school when Britney first hit the pop charts. I predicted her a teeny bopper flash in the pan. Whoops! I did it again.  I couldn’t have been more wrong. Another nasal voiced chipmunk dressed (or not dressed as the case may be) up as a credible pop singer. I just don’t get it.

I began formulating this post in my mind in the car. When I sat down to the computer to type I saw this article on msn.com. Evidently the Aussie’s are in an uproar because Britney Spears dared to lip sync her concert. I’m sorry. But ever since you could lip sync and get away with it pop stars have been doing it. Now the article I’m referring to actually brings up the Milli Vanilli debacle – but I’m not talking about lip syncing to someone else’s voice. I’m talking about lip syncing to your best recording or the one of your voice that been washed, scrubbed and tweaked in every way digitally possible to bring forth a version that is palpable to the ear. To some.

Music through the decades is a very interesting subject to me. I could spin 100 posts on the subject. But what interests me today is the highly marketable yet audibly marginal voices you hear on the radio. On American Idol last season (yes, I watch, unashamed) there are episodes when highly established pop singers perform. They sing live – as the contestants do. If you follow the program I’m remembering when Lady Ga Ga appeared. (I still giggle every time I hear that ridiculous stage name) She was horrible. Every AI finalist left at that point in the show had a better voice than she did. What is her appeal?

I’m not saying you need a PhD like Brian May of Queen or be an esteemed alum of the Juilliard School. Let’s try this. Let’s celebrate singers that can actually sing. Let’s honor people who have honed their craft and not simply covered themselves in glitter and called themselves a star. I could do that. We all could. When I turn on the radio I want to hear good music. Not the manufactured tones of a souped up studio mimed by a made up kewpie doll.

This piece is from a few years back.  Acrylic on canvas.