The Music Court

           Today’s song of the day comes to you more out of “the damn song is stuck in my head” then anything else. This takes nothing away from the talented band who performs this excellent song with great musicality. I originally listened to the music of this band because of their band name. I am a huge fan of Don DeLillo’s “White Noise” and The Airborne Toxic Event is the name of a title of the second part of the book. Apparently, I am not alone.

           Mikel Jollett, a writer himself, had a rough go at it in 2006. After finding out his mother had been diagnosed with cancer, he experienced a break-up and a diagnosis of his own, a genetic Autoimmune disease. To say he needed immediate gratification and something uplifting is an understatement. He decided the long term process of novel writing could be put on hold in favor of lyrics and songs. After enlisting the help of a trained violinist and several other succesful musicians, Airborne Toxic Event was born. They quickly jumped on the scene and in 2008 released the depressingly beautiful tale, “Sometime Around Midnight” about Jollett running into an ex-girlfriend, who he still loved, at a night club. Awkward!

     You can tell he is a writer also. The song is focused on his lyrics. Yes, the orchestra beginning is something out of a movie or Muse song (take your pick) and the guitar that follows is a constant pleasantry for the ears. But, it is Jollett’s voice and lyrics. “The piano is a meloncholy soundtrack to her smile.” Wow! He has a real taste for truthful lyrics. The song gets stuck in your head and you are sent into a whirlpool of Jollett’s “naked” lyrics. Naked meaning lyrics stripped down to the bare necessity. Lyrics that need to be written. You feel a real need for this song. As if, Jollett is telling us we need to listen.

         At around 3:40 in the song he almost starts pleading. His voice becomes loud and it strains. At 4:00 he literally pleads. “You just have to see her.” It repeats. Have you ever been in love? That sheer necessity to be with that one person. You just have to see her and in my case you just have to listen to this song.

Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2YnDlEMXiU

Frank Sinatra Doing Work

Two things are being said with the choice of Sinatra to head the new era of the Music Court. Firstly, it says that I am egotistical person, surrounding all of my posts around events in my life. This one celebrating my glorious return to the lights of New York (at JFK airport). But, hopefully, if you spotted my sarcasm there, you realize that the choice of Sinatra is due to us not discriminating against any music here at The Music Court (seriously we will do anything, From big band to punk pop *does that even exist*) and the song symbolizes a man that embodies greatness, independence, and really good music.

So, what is “New York, New York?” What has made this song so iconic, so recognized by the masses? Why is it one of those songs that everybody recognizes? Is it because of its timeless attribute or because how famous the musician is? Or, is it just a great song? Well, let us take it apart and give some history

First, “New York, New York,” was originally composed and written for the same titled 1977 film by Martin Scorsese. Can you guess who it was written for? Liza Minneli. I know my reaction was a big really too. The song was written by Fred Ebb and composed by John Kander, who were the two members of the popular Broadway team of Kander and Ebb who frequently wrote for big stage actors and actresses. In 1979, Sinatra recorded the song for his 1980 album entitled Trilogy: Past Present Future. The song did not become popular until Sinatra performed it, changed around some lyrics, and made it a charted hit. Since then, it has become one of his most noticeable songs. Seriously, who hears “New York, New York,” and thinks Liza Minelli.

The draw of the song is definitely Sinatra’s croon. It has to be. He belts out this song with such emotion that it becomes alive inside of you. A melody that travels through your ear canals into your long-term memory store in the Hippocampus after hearing the song enough times. (All of that information could be wrong and skewed but hey I ain’t no doc. I’m a English Major. That colloquial english was supposed to be a joke. Yeah, haha, okay.) The song is just memorable. He glorifies New York and makes everyone want to go there. It is a song of overcoming adversity and making it in the big city that never sleeps. The funny thing is, of course, Sinatra found his way quickly to the top of the heap. He made it there in New York, New York! Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da. Sorry!

                  Tonight I will be making the trip to Citi Field to see McCartney’s last show at the new Mets home. The first two shows were met with incredible reviews and I doubt that tonight will be any different. McCartney has dished out all he has for these shows and the set lists have included songs from “Hey Jude” to various solo material. But, today, in honor of the show, I would like to focus on one particular McCartney composition that is one of my favorites, “The Long and Winding Road.”

              One interesting fact that not many know about the song is where it originated from. Well, yes, of course it came from McCartney’s mind, but he penned the song in Scotland inspired by the tension in The Beatles. Why can’t my stress result in beautiful music. Some people have all the luck. The subtle beauty of the song lifts itself above the sad lyrics which McCartney said he loves to write because it keeps him away from the Psychiatrist.

           Stay tuned for a review of the concert!

          Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6ZegjrEIGQ

             In December of 1968 the Rolling Stones orchestrated a concert event entitled “The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus,” and were completely out performed by The Who. The footage from the concert was actually delayed release (until 1996) 28 YEARS LATER because of The Who’s mastery performance. It is in this footage where we get our combo song/link of the day. The Who performing their hit/mini opera “A Quick One,” in front of an appropriately dressed circus crowd.

          Pete Townshend, always known for his flare, has called this song a mini opera. I am not kidding. It is indeed an epic song with six sections so Townshend’s title does make sense. Personally, I love the harmonized first section which is sung entirely a cappela. The song is also The Who’s first venture into the world of Rock Operas that they redefined with their release of Tommy.

Check out the awesome link: http://www.fark.com/cgi/vidplayer.pl?IDLink=4513004

            A special song of the day at the music court today for today, 14 years ago, my sister was born. Yes, July 15th, 3 days before my birthday which is on the 18th of July. Her day of birth was so special my mother had to cancel my birthday party because she thought she was going to have my sister on the same day. Being an egotistical five year old I was upset. So, in honor of Merry’s birthday you guys are getting some Beatles, and what better Beatles song is there but the opening track of the 3rd side of the LP The White Album. Tradition rock and roll with “Birthday”

“You say it’s your birthday              
Well it’s my birthday too, yeah
You say it’s your birthday
We’re gonna have a good time
I’m glad it’s your birthday
Happy birthday to you.”

– “Birthday,” by The Beatles off of “White Album”

The song is not only McCartney’s best vocal performance on the White Album but it is also the only song on the White Album that both McCartney and Lennon share lead vocal duty.

Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztoSUhbNntQ   Love this video