The Music Court

The grasp of finals has overtaken me and I can only do a quick post today so I thought I would leave you with a rather odd picture and a fantastic recording of John Lennon performing the greatest song ever written “Imagine” just a few months after its release on December 17, 1971.

Here is the song link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RNXertAO4k

And the picture…

So, the Queen of England and the mysterious alien settled their differences and agreed that the Gaga would be left with only obliterating music charts, while the human race could keep their Earth

       Yesterday, and yes I can say yesterday now since it is 12:30 Thanksgiving morning, was a day full of driving and apocalyptic movies (2012). After the drive back home and a tasty family dinner which got my acid reflux’a’bubblin (You have no clue what Thanksgiving is going to do to me and by me I mean my poor stomach) my family and I went to go see a late showing of the apocalypse in HD. I, of course mean 2012.

      The movie has not been reviewed well and I have to admit even the torpid scientist in me knew that the apocalyptic situation portrayed was so unlikely it neared on stupid, but, the message that shined throughout the movie was an in-your-face knock-out hope that, while it may have benefited from being more subtle, still existed. Hope in apocalyptic situations is always good. Hope for an indelible humanity that should remain ingrained in our hearts and minds. It is the only thing keeping us from destroying ourselves and the feeling that inevitably links us during times of horror and happiness. Well, the idealist in me is coming out again just in time for the celebration of Thanksgiving later on today.

The basis for the holiday does not matter. What does live on is that every year my extended family gets together and catches up over pigs in a blanket and pieces of salami (the best kind of hor’dourves) and while I am chowing down on some of my grandma’s irresistable stuffing I witness this and smile. This is the day of the year that we can all be happy to just have each other and, in the spirit of the movie I just saw, I would like to say I am thankful for my family most of all. Because, in an unstable world where events take place without any specific order and the end of days (however unlikely) can creep upon us at the most inopportune times (I do not know when the end of days would ever be a welcome event) one can always take solace in the enduring love of those closest to you and the existant love of those fellow human beings all around you.

So, in that spirit I bring you the song I am most thankful for and that is “Imagine,” by John Lennon

For those who know me, I have an unhealthy obsession with the music and being of John Lennon. Yes he was arrogant but I do not care. The man understood something that many people just cannot grasp on to. This is that a seemingly impossible harmony can be reached if people just wanted it.

Spending an entire semester reading post-apocalyptic novels for my Apocalyptic Literature class and just getting out of an apocalyptic movie (I cannot avoid the apocalypse) has taught me one thing. When the day strikes where the ostensible sh*t hits the fan nothing really matters anymore. Nothing except for people. We only have each other folks. You have those around you at your Thanksgiving tables. That crazy uncle, that kissing aunt, that hard-of-hearing grandpa. You have your friends, your acquaintances, your fellow man, woman, and child. So, yeah, get used to it!

This is the message that Lennon is attempting to get out through his ode to a peaceful world. Imagine. You are not required. Take a second out of your time if you would like and just imagine there was no heaven, no hell, no countries, no possessions, nothing to kill or die for, “A Brotherhood of Man.” Just imagine this. It may seem unlikely, heck, as near impossible as the spawning of the apocalypse gracing the morning skies during the Macy’s Day Parade in New York City later on today (Okay, this is the most opportune time for the apocalypse to happen. Just Kidding!), but, just remember these words.

“You may say that I’m a dreamer. But I’m not the only one. I hope someday you will join us and the world will live as one.”

Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okd3hLlvvLw

From all of us at the Music Court I wish you and your family a very happy thanksgiving.

What songs are you thankful for? Comment below and let us know what and why.

A rare Sunday post for a rare talent.

In November 2008, Peter BradleyAdams was named one of the “21st-century writers whose songs are worth exploring.” by The Wall Street Journal (who I applied to for an internship. I was not kidding when I said I applied to every local publication)

On October 20th, the melodic Americana musician released his new album “Traces,” and his new musical portrait is certainly worth taking a listen to. I have personally not gotten a chance to pick up the new album yet but I am incredibly excited to pick up a copy when I get home. Adams is one of those musicians whose music reads like a good book, you cannot put it down (no matter how hard you try).

Therefore, I must echo The Wall Street Journal’s take on Adams’ music. “Traces,” will not disappoint and for those who have never heard Adams music before, I strongly suggest you take a listen. Trust me, you’ll like it

Pick up your copy and preview some songs:

For a free download of “For You” off of the new album, no sign-up required: http://peterbradleyadams.com/free/foryou/

The Album: http://www.amazon.com/Traces-Dig-Peter-Bradley-Adams/dp/B002O4J4CA/?tag=sr0d-20

Information on Adams: http://www.peterbradleyadams.com/

Hey guys,

So I was sitting in my room doing a project for nutrition, and I was inputting the vegetables that I planned on eating. I was approaching the submit button to suggest that I eat a serving or two of peas tomorrow. For some reason, after I clicked submit, my shuffling itunes decided to play Sweet Pea, by Amos Lee. Naturally, I listened to it several times before moving on to another Amos Lee song. I have come to the conclusion that Amos Lee is an amazing artist, both musically and lyrically. I enjoy taking my guitar out and jamming along with many of his songs. Unfortunately, having a catchy melody stuck in your helpless head is concomitant with listening to this artist. However, I’m willing to deal with it. Let me know what you guys think. If i had to pick my top three songs by him, I’d have to go with: Supply and Demand, Night Train, Southern Girl, Sweet Pea, and What’s been going on. Yes…I’m aware I said top three, but I decided that I couldn’t pick just three. I’m willing to deal with it. So, let’s talk about Amos Lee and his best songs. We at The Music Court look forward to hearing from you.