being
flesh & futility
songs from the wood pt2
Still seeing more wood creatures: or to quote a Jethro Tull lyric, maybe I've been drinking to deep from "the cup of crimson wonder".
the hiding place
romanticism
Todays two images are simply titled AMERICAN RURAL ROMANTIC 1 AND AMERICAN RURAL ROMANTIC 2. I chose those titles because I really feel these two images present an idealized/romantic view that so many people have in, and out of, the United States of what rural or country life entails. So many people have told me, once they learned that I grew up on a farm, "Oh that must have been a lovely existence," "the wide open spaces," "the simple life" etc. But that has always been problematic for me in the same way that people at a funeral will only say positive uplifting things about the deceased, even if the deceased was a "bastard" that committed criminal acts. The truth is, with all romanticism there is a dark side, a truth that people either ignore or just fail to see, or understand. Here's the facts: growing up on a farm is very difficult. Like any existence it has its "plus" side but it is extremely hard work, long hours, unpredictable schedules, lonely, a battle between man, nature and economic fortunes. One of the things I've always loved about David Lynch's films is that they often will start with a bucolic, romantic ideal and then quickly delve into the under belly of that existence. These two images today hint at that. If you look beyond the beauty of the scene you will see problems in each image. Problems with the structures and in the first image problems with the setting. Structures are starting to fall apart and weeds have started to grow. And in the case of the second image the tree itself is a symbol of a turn for the worst as all the leaves have fallen from it's limbs as it will struggle to make it through the winter months. Only time will tell if it will survive yet another winter. So the problem with Romanticism is that it's really not very romantic. It is a failure to confront the truth. It just tries to coat over the truth like frosting covers a cake. It doesn't take much to scrape it aside to see what's left. Reality - you may be able to "have your cake and eat it too" but it will be without frosting.
Tied to life
aphorism 4
aphorism 3
aphorism 2
aphorism 1
What’s all this crop?
In my photography I've started thinking about "how I can make things look longer or taller." I think the right crop might be the answer. The two photos today are examples of my pursuit of this idea. I've always loved vertical landscapes which comes from my interest in vertical Japanese woodblock prints like the ones by Utagawa Hiroshige. I think the particular crop in these two photos, which is a vertical 16X9, creates this effect nicely. It makes the main subject of tall trees look even taller in my mind. It "heightens" their already magnanimous stature. I also used various textures and effects. What I find really funny is that the main tree in the photo on the left is significantly smaller that the tall tree in the photo on the right. It's more of an overgrown shrub, actually, that is about 12 ft tall compared to the large tree on the right which must be about 50 ft tall. But again, I think the crop really goes a long way to lengthen this tree. Hope you enjoy. What do you think? Is the crop pleasing to your eye? Or is it just too much?
glassworks…
The virtue of looking back thru old files. In todays example files from 2018. I remember when I took these two photos I was intriqued by what had happened to the glass of this automobile. We are used to glass cracking, breaking and shattering but this glass seemed to be in a slow-motion movement of decay. I've paired each image from a song from Philip Glass' SONGS FROM LIQUID DAYS. When I listen to the music while staring at the photo - it generates a deep level of emotion and imagination in me. I hope you enjoy them as well.
grace… beauty… mystery… life passes by….
Todays post features the work of Performance Artist Yoann Bourgeois. His work continues to mesmerize me and keep me in thrall. This video of a work titled Passants (passers) looks at the life cycle and beautifully illustrates the passing of each generation - as one generation is ending another is beginning. It also visually describes a human life in motion even when it appears to stop. Music is by Phillip Glass played by Kronos Quartet with its kinetic repetitive motifs is perfect for this performance. Enjoy the magic, the wonder, the beauty of this performance. (fyi there is an introduction in french since this live performance was broadcast on French television.) The "curtain call" itself is a work of performance art. Simply amazing! Enjoy!
If you liked the video above ... here are a couple more featuring the amazing work of Yoann Bourgeois.
New Years Day
Starting off the new year with a hard truth. "Nothing changes on New Years Day". As the war in Ukraine, started by that fascist, meglomaniac, power-hungry pig Putin', rages on, this song by U2 from their album WAR seems the most appropriate (sadly). A child on the album cover stares out and asks, "what are you going to do?" And as people who make News Years resolutions, resolutely start breaking them immediately.... A toast: Here's hoping this new year ends better than it began.
hump day – time to get the party started
In the past the holidays were typically associated with parties. Now that lockdowns have been lifted it may be time to party again for the holidays. Today is Wednesday (hump day) what better way to get through this day than to listen/watch the legendary Dame Shirley Bassey performing Get The Party Started. You better get your toe-tapping dancing shoes on.
What are you doing new years eve?
So what are YOU doing New Years Eve? Feel free to comment.
a child is born
Now for the climax of holiday music. Merry Christmas everyone.
The song today is a recording I was so very happy to find on YouTube. The Messiah by George Frideric Handel. Specifically my favorite part FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN. I’ve heard several versions of the Messiah and they seem sluggish and even dull at times. But this recording by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham is bright and energetic. It really embodies the energy and celebration of the Christian season. It is filled with real power. Sir Beecham was not shy in his approach to this master work. In my opinion this really is the penultimate version of the Messiah.
don’t always get back what you give
December 24TH is a song by a unique song stylist, Julia Fordham. Her music typically dances on the line between jazz and pop. It is accompanied by a specific type of mood that can be laid back, accepting, sad or reserved happiness and only occasionally unbounded joy. Since I love moody music it fits right in with my melancholic state of mind.
There is a “hard truth” in this song that is so important – things don’t always turn out the way we planned and you “don’t always get back what you give.” It’s a different way of stating the golden rule of “Do unto other as you want them to do unto you” (not that they will return the favor).
Enjoy this little bit of holiday melancholia.
3 for Surfin’ Saint Nick
Changing things up a .it. The Beach Boys, an American treasure with their sunny California sound and disposition. Their Christmas album is just plain fun. It boasted 5 Beach Boy holiday originals in addition to some fun arrangements of the standards.
Enjoy 3 of the originals LITTLE SAINT NICK, THE MAN WITH ALL THE TOYS and MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY.
Tropical Christmas
So maybe the snow and cold associated, by many, with the Holiday season isn’t your thing. You prefer a more tropical climate.
Well here’s a song for you. Leon Redbone’s version of CHRISTMAS ISLAND from his album of the same title. So whip up a pina colada and stick a sprig of holly in it.
the secret of christmas
THE SECRET OF CHRISTMAS by Ella Fitzgerald is a truly enduring holiday classic. How we get Christmas all wrong. Humans are such fickle creatures.
marshmallow world
I was born at the wrong time. Why? I’ve always loved the las vegas night club scene of the 50s and 60’s. Of course the “Rat Pack” ruled supreme. An early fantasy in my teens was to be a night club singer like Sammy Davis Jr, Dean Martin or Frank Sinatra. But that was the late 70’s and the scene was passing and disco ruled the airwaves. Television was the last stand for many in the Rat Pack, with members appearing or making guest appearance on TV shows, movies etc. Dean Martin even had his on Variety Show. Oh well, dem’s the way the chips fall.
At any rate you can enjoy this duet between Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra from Dean’s television variety show.
time for change
Robbie Williams is a musical artist I’ve enjoyed. He has a unique pop style. This original Christmas song fits right in. I like the sentiment of the title TIME FOR CHANGE. I really wish more people saw that holidays with that potential to make a change, stop the hate, stop the lies and work to bring people together. But sadly that will be a dream unfulfilled.
His Christmas album, THE CHRISTMAS PRESENT was released about 3 years ago (already – how time flies). I really love the duality of the title – THE CHRISTMAS PRESENT can be seen with the word present meaning a “gift” and also contemporary/now.
In the meantime enjoy this delightful video of Robbie and his family. And if you like this video you may also enjoy his video for CAN’T STOP CHRISTMAS.
Hallelujah!
3 sisters, Maggie, Terre & Suzzy Roche – known collectively as The Roches.
This contemporary folk group has wowed audiences for years with their vocal harmonies and unique songs. When you think of Handel’s MESSIAH you may think hundred voice chorus and orchestra. And no doubt you have some favorite recording of the entire piece. But the Hallelujah Chorus is by far one of the most popular and reproduced songs from that master work.
The Roches decided to take a wild leap of faith and record the Hallelujah Chorus not only a Cappella but also as a trio. It is was first released on a more experimental (for them) album KEEP ON DOING (1982). That album was produced by none other than Robert Fripp, of King Crimson fame, who also contributed his unique guitar textures to several tracks. Ironically the song would NOT be reprised on their Christmas album WE THREE KINGS (1990).
The Roches continued to perform until Margaret (Maggie) passed away in 2017.
And in case you think, "there's no way that can be done live"..... Well, prepare to eat your words.... LOL (advance apologies for the occasional dropouts the sound)
... on being and becoming ... 