Shamrock! – Part 2

Although the Pogues formed in England (where most of its members were born), I think most people assume the Pogues are an Irish band mostly because of lead singer Shane MacGowan whose Irish heritage and love of Irish culture permeates the Pogues’ music (especially their early stuff). Over the years, the Pogues’ music has become an integral part of Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations all around the world and MacGowan has garnered international acclaim as a genuine Irish poet.

Listening to the Pogues is like traveling around the globe- you never know where you’ll end up- and I respect artists whose lyrics make listeners get out the map. They may have started out as an Irish inspired band but the Pogues were not afraid to experiment with other styles of music. They eventually grew into something of a world music band with the other members assuming more of the vocal and songwriting duties especially as MacGowan’s role in the band diminished due to personal demons (they finally showed him the door in 1991). Perhaps it’s my own Irish heritage (on my father’s side) but every year around this time I find myself taking out my Pogues music and getting thirsty for a pint. Here are some (more) of my favorites. Enjoy!

01. The Pogues – “Bright Lights” (1995)

02. The Pogues – “The Battle of Brisbane (2013 Mix)” (1984) 

03. The Pogues & The Dubliners – “The Irish Rover” (1987)

04. The Pogues – “Boat Train” (1989)

05. The Pogues – “The Body of an American” (1986)

06. The Pogues – “The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn” (1985)

07. The Pogues – “Lorelei” (1989)

08. The Pogues – “Dark Streets of London” (1984)

09. The Pogues – “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” (1988)

10. The Pogues – “Streams of Whiskey (2013 Mix)” (1984)

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The Pogues & The Dubliners – “The Irish Rover”

Shamrock! – Part 1

I first heard the Pogues’ music when I was 14 or 15 years old when I saw their video for “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” on MTV and thought they were really cool- almost punk. The Pogues’ early albums (British imports) were difficult to find back then so I started borrowing them from friends (usually kids of Irish heritage) and by the time I graduated college I was a huge Pogues fan and had all their albums.

While I didn’t realize it at the time, the Pogues’ music- often called Celtic rock- was actually introducing me to folk music and probably owes more to Bob Dylan than to Johnny Rotten (although the Pogues’ lead singer Shane MacGowan got his start in the English punk scene and never lost his punk attitude). The mid-‘80s may have been the era of new wave and pop metal but the Pogues burst onto the music scene doing their own thing: drunken Irish pirate songs played by punks with tin whistle, accordion, and driving rhythm. Good lyrics, too. Here are some of my favorites. Enjoy!

The Pogues with Kirsty MacColl

01. The Pogues – “Greenland Whale Fisheries” (1984)

02. The Pogues – “When the Ship Comes In” (1995)

03. The Pogues & The Dubliners – “Whiskey in the Jar” (1990)

04. The Pogues – “The Sunnyside of the Street” (1990)

05. The Pogues – “Dirty Old Town” (1985)

06. The Pogues – “I’m a Man You Don’t Meet Every Day” (1985)

07. The Pogues – “Sally MacLennane” (1985)

08. The Pogues feat. Kirsty MacColl – “Fairytale of New York” (1988)

09. The Pogues – “If I Should Fall from Grace with God” (1988)

10. The Pogues – “London You’re a Lady” (1989)

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Churning, Shimmering Flannel

During the grunge music craze of the early ‘90s, the straight media dubbed Neil Young the godfather of grunge because many of the grunge kids wore flannel shirts and played like Neil but I always felt Dinosaur Jr.’s sludge rock was much closer to Neil Young’s music than any of those Seattle bands. Although I’ve never considered myself a Neil Young fan, I had a used copy of Decade on vinyl when I was a teenager and over the years I’ve collected a number of Neil Young songs (including stuff he recorded with other artists like Buffalo Springfield, Stills-Young Band, and Crosby, Stills & Nash). 

Neil Young is Canadian by birth but often serves as my sonic guide to the American West. His songs make me feel like I am sitting around a campfire, looking up at the night sky, or going back in time. Young sings about whatever he wants and lets you come to him- and I respect that. With its weird (though sensible) lyrics, dirty guitar licks, and churning, shimmering hooks, the best of Neil Young’s music gives me my money’s worth especially when I’m feeling sick of rock posturing and just want to listen to something real. The man’s catalogue is vast- he’s still making music- and though not all of his work is my cup of tea, here are some of my favorite Neil Young songs. Enjoy!

01. Neil Young – “Like a Hurricane” (1977)

02. Neil Young – “Bandit” (2003)

03. Neil Young – “Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere” (1969)

04. Neil Young – “Pocahontas” (1976)

05. Neil Young – “Peaceful Valley Boulevard” (2010)

06. Neil Young – “Cinnamon Girl” (1969)

07. Neil Young – “Revolution Blues” (1974)

08. Neil Young – “Without Rings” (2000)

09. Neil Young – “Cortez the Killer” (1975)

10. Neil Young – “Pardon My Heart” (1975)

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Neil Young – Trains

Rock Grab Bag II

Winter got you down? Politicians driving you crazy? Struggling to learn a foreign language? I hear you. Come join me, the Jean, as we shake up another rock grab bag and see if we can’t pull out something sweet to help drive away them blues including some of my favorites from classic rock, singer-songwriter, jam rock, adult alternative, folk-rock, glam, acid rock, and even some rock opera. Enjoy!

Van Morrison

01. The Rolling Stones – “Beast of Burden” (1978)

02. Cat Stevens – “Tuesday’s Dead” (1971)
03. Tom Petty – “I Won’t Back Down” (1989)
04. Bob Weir – “Cassidy” (1972)
05. Lonnie Mack – “The Man in Me”(1971)
06. Jonathan Edwards – “Sunshine” (1971)
07. Sarah McLachlan – “River” (2006)
08. Warren Zevon – “Hostage-O” (2000)
09. Peter Sarstedt – “Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)?” (1969)
10. Dawes – “When My Time Comes” (2009)
11. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – “The Wild One, Forever” (1976)
12. The Darkness – “Growing on Me” (2003)
13. The Hooters – “Where Do the Children Go” (1985)
14. Jefferson Airplane – “Somebody to Love” (1967)
15. Van Morrison – “Snow in San Anselmo” (1973)
16. David Bowie – “Wild is the Wind” (1976)
17. Meat Loaf – “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” (1977)
18. Jefferson Airplane – “White Rabbit” (1967)
19. Creedence Clearwater Revival – “Born on the Bayou” (1969)
20. Jerry Garcia and David Grisman – “Whiskey in the Jar” (1993)

Van the Man receives his knighthood from Prince Charles

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Classical Music Faves – Part 4

After surveying my favorite classical music, it looks as though I’m partial to German composers from the Baroque and Romantic periods which makes sense given my German heritage and love of European history (people have actually told me I look, act, and think like a German- I assume it was a compliment). More interestingly, I seem to be drawn most often to the two extremes of classical music: exuberent, life affirming victory marches filled with joy on the one hand; and somber, introspective prayers dripping with sorrow on the other. But perhaps this is just a reflection of my personal philosophy which says you can’t have highs without lows and things are tough all over- but don't forget to look for the joy.

Claude Debussy

My only experience with performing classical music (other than singing at Mass) came during senior year in high school. I was walking down the hall one day singing to myself (probably a Twinkie Force song) when the music teacher heard my voice, came running out of his office, and demanded I join the school chorale- which I did. While I didn’t know anything about reading or performing classical music, I was a natural singer and had good rhythm and a good ear. I really enjoyed my year of performing as a tenor- especially singing in Latin- and to this day my mom enjoys telling the story of how I was “drafted” into the choir. Here are some (more) of my favorite classical music songs. Enjoy!

The Jean – Tenor

01. Allegri: “Miserere”
       – Sir David Willcocks, Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, David Goodman (1964)
02. Bach: “Concerto for Harpsichord, Strings and Continuo No.5 in F minor, BWV 1056: 2. Largo”
       – Accademia Bizantina, Ottavio Dantone (2008)
03. Bach: “Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B Minor, BWV 1067: VI. Menuet”
       – Karl Münchinger, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra, Jean-Pierre Rampal (1962)
04. Vivaldi: “Gloria in D Major, RV 589: I. Gloria in excelsis Deo”
       – Stephen Cleobury, Academy of Ancient Music, Choir of King’s College, Cambridge (2002)
05. Debussy: “Suite bergmanesque, L. 75: III. Clair de lune”
       – Jean-Efflam Bavouzet (2008)
06. Chopin: “Nocturne No. 6 in G Minor, Op.15 No.3”
       – Maria-João Pires (1996)
07. Mascagni: “Cavalleria Rusticana - Intermezzo”
       – Riccardo Muti, Philharmonia Orchestra (1980)
08. Handel: “Messiah, HWV 56: Chorus. ‘Hallelujah!’”
       – Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra, Mormon Tabernacle Choir (1959)
09. Bizet: “Carmen, WD 31 (Excerpts) (Highlights): Overture”
       – Herbert von Karajan, Wiener Philharmoniker (1963)
10. Bach: “Cantata No. 147, BWV 147: ‘Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring’”
       – Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra, Richard P. Condie, Mormon Tabernacle Choir (1970)

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Classical Music Faves – Part 3

Back in college I often used classical music as a study or relaxation aid but rarely listened to it just for pleasure. Then, a few years ago, when I was studying Mandarin Chinese, I rediscovered classical music and found it to be not only excellent background music for self-study (on my headphones) but some of it was also extremely pleasurable in its own right. Listening to classical music on Spotify introduced me to new songs which moved me in different ways and soon I was listening to my classical music faves on a daily basis- and loving it. Now it’s three years later and I’m studying Arabic and have once again started leaning on classical music to pull me through the lonely hours of self-study and to lift my spirit.

George Frederic Handel

While it’s still good for study and relaxation, there is some classical music that just really gets my blood flowing these days. I recently put on my headphones and went shopping in the supermarket where Beethoven’s Fifth (fourth movement) had me marching down the frozen food aisle, pumping my fist, and air conducting with my hands. Walking down the street tonight to get pizza turned into something a bit more epic thanks to Georges Bizet and at times the Mormon Tabernacle Choir really grabs and excites my soul. When you finally get your hands on the good stuff, the right classical music can be just as wild and invigorating as rock, metal, or punk (and don’t forget, back in his day, Beethoven was actually considered a moody, unpredictable rabble-rouser and bad-ass). Classical music is not for wimps!

Ludwig van Beethoven

I’ve recently been rediscovering Tchaikovsy’s music- Swan Lake is incredible (although I know very little about ballet). For years I owned a compilation of Tchaikovsky music used in films, Tchaikovsky in Hollywood, and I think classical music and film can and should go together like peanut butter and jelly. Tchaikovsky’s music- which is so bold, emotive, and over the top- works especially well in movies and for me the use of Swan Lake in the film Of Gods and Men is sublime and life changing. I’m not going to name names but the more I listen to classical music the more I discover how many Hollywood movie themes are actually based on (or stolen from) earlier classical works (hey, they say if you’re going to steal then steal from the best.) Here are some more of my favorites. Enjoy!

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

01. Handel: “Messiah, HWV 56: Hallelujah Chorus”
      – Richard P. Condie, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Mormon Tabernacle Choir (1974)
02. Wagner: “Die Walküre WWV 86B - Concert version / Dritter Auzfug: The Ride of the Valkyries”
       – Sir George Solti, Wiener Philharmoniker (1983)
03. Bach: “Minuet from the Anna Magdalena, Anh. 114”
      – Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra (1969)
04. Tchaikovsky: “Swan Lake, Op.20, Act I: 29. Finale”
       – André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra (1976)
05. Tchaikovsky: “Swan Lake, Op.20, TH.12 / Act 2: No.10 Scène (Moderato)”
       – Charles Dutoit, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal (1992)
06. Beethoven: “Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67: 4. Allegro”
      – Carlos Kleiber, Wiener Philharmoniker (1975)
07. Bach: “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 140: Zion hört die Wächter singen (Transcribed for Orchestra)”
       – Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra (1969)
08. Tchaikovsky: “Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 1: 2. Waltz (Tempo di valse)”
       – André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra (1976)
09. Beethoven: “Symphony No.9 in D Minor, Op.125 - ‘Choral’: 4. Presto - ‘O Freunde, nicht diese Töne!’ - Allegro assai”
       – Herbert von Karajan, Berliner Philharmoniker, Hilde Rössel-Majdan, Waldemar Kmentt, Walter 

          Berry, Wiener Singverein (1963)
10. Dvořák: “Symphony No.9 in E Minor, Op.95, B. 178 ‘From the New World’: 2. Largo”
       – Herbert von Karajan, Wiener Philharmoniker (1985)

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Of Gods and Men – Trailer

That's Hollywood (opening to one of my favorite childhood TV shows)

Classical Music Faves – Part 2

Back in my college days- before iTunes and music streaming- I strolled into my local record shop one day, took a chance, and purchased a used copy of Bach orchestral suites- which turned out to be a pretty good investment. Since then, my acquisition of classical music has been mostly hit or miss. I’ve had some good luck with greatest hits compilations- Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi- and I think compilations can be a good place to start if you’re a novice like me and just want to have some decent classical music in your collection. I’ve also regretted my share of classical music purchases over the years but- thanks to the Internet- I think those days are finally over (sorry to all the small record shops).

Antonio Vivaldi

I had a friend in my hometown- the guy was a musical sponge- and he majored in classical music in college. He often tried to share with me all the technical stuff he learned in class- but it was over my head. Like most people I am drawn not to the technical aspects of classical music but to those songs which give me pleasure and I’m still waiting for the day when I’m able to really appreciate opera.

Johann Sebastian Bach

One aspect of classical music I can appreciate is its history and I love hearing stories about the great composers: how Mozart’s father believed his son to be a miracle from God and dragged the young prodigy all over Europe to play and show people miracles still exist; how a teenage Beethoven travelled to Vienna to visit Mozart and play for his hero; or how later in his life the totally deaf Beethoven sawed the legs off a piano so he could lie down, put his ear to the floor, and hear the musical vibrations as he pounded the keys. In 2014 it was one of the higlights of my life to visit Mozart’s hometown- Salzburg, Austria- and the history as well as the legends of classical music continue to enhance my enjoyment of it. Here are some (more) of my favorites. Enjoy!

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (statue in Salzburg)

01. Tchaikovsky: “Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act II No. 10: Scene”
       – Dmitry Yablonsky, Russian State Symphony Orchestra (2002)
02. Mozart: “Piano Concerto No.23 in A, K.488: 2. Adagio”
       – Jeffrey Tate, English Chamber Orchestra, Mitsuko Uchida (1987)
03. Britten: “Peter Grimes, 4 Sea interludes, Op. 33a: No. 1, Dawn”
       – Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Orchestre Métropolitain du Grand Montréal (2007)
04. Pachelbel: “Canon & Gigue in D Major”
       – Jean-François Paillard (1968)
05. Beethoven: “Symphony No. 7 - II”
       – Terry Davies, Members of the London Symphony Orchestra (2010)
06. Tchaikovsky:  “Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35: I.”
       – Erich Leinsdorf, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Itzhak Perlman (1972)
07. Bach: “Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B Minor, BWV 1067: II. Rondeau”
       – Karl Münchinger, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra, Jean-Pierre Rampal (1962)
08. Vivaldi: “Le Quattro stagioni (The Four Seasons), Violin Concerto in E Major Op. 8 No. 1, RV 269, ‘Spring’: I. Allegro”
       – Itzhak Perlman, London Philharmonic Orchestra (1976)
09. Bach: “Sleepers Awake from Cantata No. 140, BWV 140 - Voice”
       – Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra, Mormon Tabernacle Choir (1970)
10. Schumann: “Träumerei, No. 7”
       – Van Cliburn (1972)

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Amadeus – Trailer

Itzhak Perlman on Sesame Street

The King’s Speech

Mr. Holland’s Opus – Trailer

Ordinary People – Trailer