Well I'm a little bored tonight so I thought I would espouse my views yet again.
Firstly, thank you to the people who are following my blog and to those who have left comments. It's nice to know I'm getting through to people in a nerdy, geeky kind of way.
So on Australia Day the Premier of South Australia, Mike Rann, was due to show up and open an art exhibition on Greenhill Road. Who should show up but the woman who has accused the Premier of having an affair with her (a claim he has denied). Now here is where things get interesting. Somebody alerted the media that she would show up so naturally a huge gaggle of press showed up. This tipped off the Premier's people and they told him. Suddenly Mr. Rann became too busy. Now poor Russell Starke (and I use the term loosely as his reviews of both shows I've been involved in and others have been absolutely horrid at times) got all flappy and ordered this woman and her mother out of his gallery. You couldn't write a better script for "Home And Away" if you tried.
Now don't get me wrong, I don't mind sticking the boot into pollies when they deserve it but in this instance I don't see that Mr. Rann had any choice. It would have been a spectacle. Although the lady in question swears she wasn't going to do anything, just her mere presence there would have ruined the day for Starke, his gallery and the other guests who wanted to see the exhibition. If this lady wants to keep stymying the Premiers plans and his outings then she's going to need some serious tread on her shoes before March 10. And in the end it will only serve the Premier as the public will get sick of her showing up everywhere like a crazed stalker.
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Rehearsing for the Mahler 8 has been interesting to say the least. It bothers me that some (and I'm only talking a small handful here) seem to have lost their manners. You're there to rehearse. That means you sing, you listen to what the chorus master has to say and you apply it to what you're doing. But it seems to me that some people think that rehearsing means checking Facebook every 5 seconds (I love Facebook but even I can stay off it for an hour and a half), sending text messages, playing Nintendo DS or even knitting! For crying out loud. It's driving me nuts. Even if it's not your section that's rehearsing, show some respect to the people around you or to the section that IS rehearsing, and the funny thing about choir rehearsals is that what is said to one section can often be carried over to another.
To me it's all about the learning. Working with top people and enjoying the experience. It's sad that others just see it as another gig and they just can't be bothered. Well buddy, there's the door- don't let your butt hit it on the way out...
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Everyone seems to be telling me what I can and can't say on my status update so I may as well return the favour. Here's some things I DON'T want to see on a status update...
- Poor spelling. Seriously, there are plenty of sites to help you spell. Use them. You look ignorant and stupid.
- Rhetorical conversations with a person who won't read it ("Hey smelly lady next to me on the bus- TAKE A SHOWER!")
- Incessant plugs for shows you're doing. I don't mind event pages. I don't mind you plugging it a couple times but just LEAVE IT AT THAT!!!
- Over affectionate status to your partner. Ok, you love them. Great. You want to share it with the world. Awesome. BUT NOT EVERY STATUS UPDATE!!!
- Random Quotes. Nothing wrong with quoting a favourite line from a film or tv show. Please let us know though where it's from. Or do you just want people to ask you where it's from....?
- Bowel movements. It's bad enough when we get your diet plan everyday but I really don't need to know about the belch that rattled the windows or the fart that blew a whole in the wall and killed the cat.
and finally....
- Abbreviations. Not all of us speak in netspeak. Take the extra 5 seconds out of your day and write it out fully. Please
BTW- I'm probably guilty of at least 3 of the above but I have learnt my lesson. I think... naaaaaaaah.....
Until next time campers!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
25 random things about me....thanks Kelly
I have been tagged by Kellyansapansa to share 25 random things about myself. Now I've got to think...
1. I am at a crossroads in my life right now. Part of me wants to stay with the status quo but a big part of me realises I can't stay where I am and that I need to move cities if I am ever to be successful in what I truly love doing.
2. My first car was a 1986 White Gemini hatch. Gorgeous car. 0-60 in about 3 days and faster to push up a hill than actually drive it up.
3. There are times when I just sit at the piano and play. I must confess to not having done any serious practice in a long time- my sight-reading is pretty good so it gets me by. However I realise that if I am to succeed at my goals that will have to change.
4. I hate being alone. I hate waking up alone.
5. I have always wanted to try my hand at standup comedy. I've always felt I could do a solid 10-20 minute bracket- maybe incorporating some of the parody songs I have written over the years.
6. Last year was the first time I had cried in a very long time. It was brought on by someone pushing me to the edge and nobody believing me. That complete frustration, coupled with lack of sleep just wrecked me.
7. The most amazing night of theatre I have ever been to was Wagner's "Parsifal" in 2002. Despite its near 6 hour running time at the end I felt like I could have watched it all over again.
8. If I don't have a cup of coffee in the morning I get really cranky.
9. 9 times out of ten when I remember dreams it's about me going back to either High School or Flinders Street and me always feeling out of place.
10. My party trick? Playing the piano from underneath.
11. I refuse to watch or read the Twilight series. The tweenies can drool over team whoever. I just don't care.
12. Last year was probably one of the worst years of my life- despite some bright rays of sunshine at the end.
13. I have well over 1000 cd's (originals- not burnt) and nearly 300 dvds in my collection.
14. When I was a kid I went to see Glenelg play Port Adelaide at Footy Park. In front of me were a family of Port supporters. When a Glenelg player tripped up a Port player the father shouted "Send the f****r off the ground you f*****g useless umpire. It's a f*****g disgrace!" Not one quarter later when a Port player proceeded to clotheline a bays player right in front of us the same man (surrounded by his kids) shouted "Kick his f*****g head in!!! That's it! F*****g kill the b*****d!". From that point on I swore never to support any team with words "Port" and "Adelaide" next to each other.
15. I don't drink much alcohol. Weird I know. My parents were never heavy drinkers (My dad has the great ability to have the same glass of beer in his hand all night aqnd make it look like he's had several) so I guess I never got the taste for it. When I was 18 I took a swig of Fosters and nearly vomited. Never drank the stuff again.
16. I have decided I really like getting photos with celebs. It's a great momento of a fleeting moment when you met someone who made it. Happened just last night.
17. I once saw Bert Newton in his underwear.
18. I love spending time with my niece and nephew. They make me feel young again (and it's a great excuse to see cartoons in the cinema)
19. I am getting tired of people telling me what I can and can't say in my Facebook status update. If my friendship is only worth what I write on my status then quite frankly I wonder why we're friends.
20. I hate the nickname Rod. To me, Rod belongs to either old cricketers or ageing rockstars of which I am neither. People just assume I don't mind being called Rod and I hate telling them I don't like it because I sound so petty.
21. I have an older brother- 4 years older than me.
22. My favourite game of all time would be guitar hero. any of the versions.
23. I tried wearing contact lenses but I hated them so I went back to glasses.
24. One night I will get up at a karaoke bar and sing "Bat Out Of Hell" loudly and proudly- followed by "Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad"
25. My dream job? Playing keyboard for Kelly Clarkson.
I now tag Maggie and Miss S!
1. I am at a crossroads in my life right now. Part of me wants to stay with the status quo but a big part of me realises I can't stay where I am and that I need to move cities if I am ever to be successful in what I truly love doing.
2. My first car was a 1986 White Gemini hatch. Gorgeous car. 0-60 in about 3 days and faster to push up a hill than actually drive it up.
3. There are times when I just sit at the piano and play. I must confess to not having done any serious practice in a long time- my sight-reading is pretty good so it gets me by. However I realise that if I am to succeed at my goals that will have to change.
4. I hate being alone. I hate waking up alone.
5. I have always wanted to try my hand at standup comedy. I've always felt I could do a solid 10-20 minute bracket- maybe incorporating some of the parody songs I have written over the years.
6. Last year was the first time I had cried in a very long time. It was brought on by someone pushing me to the edge and nobody believing me. That complete frustration, coupled with lack of sleep just wrecked me.
7. The most amazing night of theatre I have ever been to was Wagner's "Parsifal" in 2002. Despite its near 6 hour running time at the end I felt like I could have watched it all over again.
8. If I don't have a cup of coffee in the morning I get really cranky.
9. 9 times out of ten when I remember dreams it's about me going back to either High School or Flinders Street and me always feeling out of place.
10. My party trick? Playing the piano from underneath.
11. I refuse to watch or read the Twilight series. The tweenies can drool over team whoever. I just don't care.
12. Last year was probably one of the worst years of my life- despite some bright rays of sunshine at the end.
13. I have well over 1000 cd's (originals- not burnt) and nearly 300 dvds in my collection.
14. When I was a kid I went to see Glenelg play Port Adelaide at Footy Park. In front of me were a family of Port supporters. When a Glenelg player tripped up a Port player the father shouted "Send the f****r off the ground you f*****g useless umpire. It's a f*****g disgrace!" Not one quarter later when a Port player proceeded to clotheline a bays player right in front of us the same man (surrounded by his kids) shouted "Kick his f*****g head in!!! That's it! F*****g kill the b*****d!". From that point on I swore never to support any team with words "Port" and "Adelaide" next to each other.
15. I don't drink much alcohol. Weird I know. My parents were never heavy drinkers (My dad has the great ability to have the same glass of beer in his hand all night aqnd make it look like he's had several) so I guess I never got the taste for it. When I was 18 I took a swig of Fosters and nearly vomited. Never drank the stuff again.
16. I have decided I really like getting photos with celebs. It's a great momento of a fleeting moment when you met someone who made it. Happened just last night.
17. I once saw Bert Newton in his underwear.
18. I love spending time with my niece and nephew. They make me feel young again (and it's a great excuse to see cartoons in the cinema)
19. I am getting tired of people telling me what I can and can't say in my Facebook status update. If my friendship is only worth what I write on my status then quite frankly I wonder why we're friends.
20. I hate the nickname Rod. To me, Rod belongs to either old cricketers or ageing rockstars of which I am neither. People just assume I don't mind being called Rod and I hate telling them I don't like it because I sound so petty.
21. I have an older brother- 4 years older than me.
22. My favourite game of all time would be guitar hero. any of the versions.
23. I tried wearing contact lenses but I hated them so I went back to glasses.
24. One night I will get up at a karaoke bar and sing "Bat Out Of Hell" loudly and proudly- followed by "Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad"
25. My dream job? Playing keyboard for Kelly Clarkson.
I now tag Maggie and Miss S!
"Avenue Q"- Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide
“Avenue Q” is one of the most outstanding productions Adelaide has seen in a long, long time. The Robert Lopez/ Jeff Marx musical has been a major hit on Broadway (where it won several major awards including the Tony Award for best musical), the West End and across Australia. It’s easy to see why.
The musical makes a mockery of the Sesame Street style by setting words like “Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist” and “The Internet Is For Porn” to melodies that wouldn’t be out of place on the children’s classic. And neither would the puppets. There’s the Bert and Ernie pairing of Rod and Nicky, the cookie monster style Trekkie Monster who are joined by a cast of other puppets and real life humans in their endeavours.
What makes this production outstanding is the hard work and brilliant performances of the cast who manipulate and voice the various puppets in full view of the audience- yet strangely enough, you hardly linger the humans as the puppet characterisations are that good.
Of the cast Natalie Alexopoulos is the highlight in her dual role as the lovable Kate Monster and the incredibly well endowed Lucy T. Slut. Her singing is exceptional and her movements and work with the puppets is top notch. Luke Joslin also is in terrific form as the scene stealing Trekkie Monster and the goofy Nicky. Mitchell Butell caps off a magnificent trio in his dual roles as the “fresh-faced” Princeton and the closeted Nicky.
The human characters are well performed by David James, Christina O’Neill and Leah Howard as Brian, Christmas Eve (his fiancée) and super intendant Gary Coleman (he of Diff’rent Strokes fame).
Jonathan Biggins has directed the show with aplomb making sure the action never drags and the clever use of multimedia adds to a hilarious night- all admirably backed by musical director David Skelton and his band.
The set is a remarkably adept one that changes frequently for different scenes set in and around the area.
Whilst there were some sound issues in the first half and some dialogue that needed a little slowing down, these are minor complaints in what is a must-see show for anyone who needs a good laugh. But be warned, this is no kids show. The language is a tad fresh at times and if you've seen "Team America" and thinkk you've seen the only puppet sex you'll ever see you'll be wrong.
Do not miss this wonderful, witty show.
The musical makes a mockery of the Sesame Street style by setting words like “Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist” and “The Internet Is For Porn” to melodies that wouldn’t be out of place on the children’s classic. And neither would the puppets. There’s the Bert and Ernie pairing of Rod and Nicky, the cookie monster style Trekkie Monster who are joined by a cast of other puppets and real life humans in their endeavours.
What makes this production outstanding is the hard work and brilliant performances of the cast who manipulate and voice the various puppets in full view of the audience- yet strangely enough, you hardly linger the humans as the puppet characterisations are that good.
Of the cast Natalie Alexopoulos is the highlight in her dual role as the lovable Kate Monster and the incredibly well endowed Lucy T. Slut. Her singing is exceptional and her movements and work with the puppets is top notch. Luke Joslin also is in terrific form as the scene stealing Trekkie Monster and the goofy Nicky. Mitchell Butell caps off a magnificent trio in his dual roles as the “fresh-faced” Princeton and the closeted Nicky.
The human characters are well performed by David James, Christina O’Neill and Leah Howard as Brian, Christmas Eve (his fiancée) and super intendant Gary Coleman (he of Diff’rent Strokes fame).
Jonathan Biggins has directed the show with aplomb making sure the action never drags and the clever use of multimedia adds to a hilarious night- all admirably backed by musical director David Skelton and his band.
The set is a remarkably adept one that changes frequently for different scenes set in and around the area.
Whilst there were some sound issues in the first half and some dialogue that needed a little slowing down, these are minor complaints in what is a must-see show for anyone who needs a good laugh. But be warned, this is no kids show. The language is a tad fresh at times and if you've seen "Team America" and thinkk you've seen the only puppet sex you'll ever see you'll be wrong.
Do not miss this wonderful, witty show.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Classic Doctor Who- The Top Moments From The Original Series
Ok- if you're not a fan of "Doctor Who" then this is probably the post to ignore. The Doctor has been with me for nearly 25 years. I first started watching the show around 1987 when Sylvester McCoy became the seventh actor to play the role. Shortly after- in 1989- the series was cancelled and for 16 years there was nothing except a telelmovie featuring Paul McGann. Of course, since 2005 we have been blessed with new episodes of our favourite timelord and the whole franchise is going from strength to strength. But let's not forget where it all started- the original series- 26 seasons worth! here are some of my highlights. I was actually going to do a top ten but then decided on a different approach...
First Doctor- William Hartnell
======================
"The Aztecs"- School teacher Barbara Wright- one of the Doctor's companions- is mistaken for an Aztec God. Despite the Doctor's assertion that she shouldn't change history, she tries to stop a ritual sacrifice. The writers don't hold back- she fails and the sacrifice goes ahead.
"The Dalek Invasion Of Earth"- The serial's final moments are the first genuinely touching and emotional spots in the series to date- The Doctor bids farewell to his granddaughter. Hartnell- known for his fluffing of lines- delivers this speech with the most amazing gravitas and sorrow.
"Mission To The Unknown"- the only episode to not feature the Doctor or his companions is a prelude to the serial "The Daleks Masterplan"- itself an outstanding serial spanning 12 episodes with so much death and destruction.
"The Tenth Planet"- our first glimpse at the Cybermen- thank goodness their look changed considerably. It was also the first time that the Doctor would change his appearance...
Second Doctor- Patrick Troughton
=========================
"Evil Of The Daleks"- The final hurrah for the Daleks for nearly 5 years is an absolute cracking tale that crosses timezones and planets and it features a pitch battle between Dalek factions and the Emperor Dalek as well.
"The Enemy Of The World"- Troughton plays both hero and villain in this great little romp. No alien threat, just a madman (played by Troughton) wanting to take over the world. The score utilises the piece "Music for strings, percussion and celeste" by Bartok.
"The War Games"- The final episodes of this 10-part epic reveal the Doctor's origins for the first time. He goes on trial by his own people and is forced to change yet again.
Third Doctor- Jon Pertwee
====================
"The Silurians"- the Doctor tries to play mediator between the people of Earth and a race of beings who lived here millenia ago. The ending of this story is incredibly powerful with the Doctor actually losing.
"Inferno"- An alternate universe where all the good guys are bad guys and the bad guys are even badder? It's an outstanding tale that is gripping from start to finish.
"The Three Doctors"- Hartnell (in his last ever acting role) and Troughton join the current Doctor to battle a rogue timelord. Don't think about the science too much and you'll love it.
"Planet of The Spiders"- To send off Jon Pertwee, they give him a fairly average story but the final scene has been known to reduce some people to tears. Brilliantly acted and paced.
Fourth Doctor- Tom Baker
===================
"Genesis Of The Daleks"- A brilliant story that introduces us to Davros, the mad creator of the Daleks. A great tale of political intrigue and- of course- mass exterminations
"The Brain Of Morbius"- A former timelord- now reduced to a brain in a jar- tries his hand at being reborn. An all-time classic
"The Deadly Assassin"- Without a companion and back on Gallifrey, The Doctor must find out who has killed the President. it all climaxes with an amazing episode set entirely in a make believe world known as The Matrix.
"City Of Death"- Running around Paris, a story that stretches across all eras of Earth's past and with an outstanding cast, this was probably Tom's last great story.
Fifth Doctor- Peter Davison
====================
"Earthshock"- The cybermen return and the unwittingly cause the death of a companion. It's so brilliantly written and performed. One of the series absolute highlights for me.
"The Five Doctors"- Richard Hurndall (replacing Hartnell), Troughton and Pertwee join forces with Davison (Tom Baker had declined) to defeat another rogue timelord (there sure are a lot of them aren't there?). A wonderful story that not only manages to juggle multiple Doctors and companions, but also a number of the Doctor's main enemies too.
"Caves Of Androzani"- One of the most outstanding four episodes in the series history to bring to an end the Peter Davison era. A loathsome villain, the Doctor dying a slow death and some fabulous performances make this 100 remarkable minutes of television. The regeneration itself is the finest to date in my opinion....
Sixth Doctor- Colin Baker
==================
"Vengeance On Varos"- Predicting reality TV about 15 years before it became a reality- a stunning social commentary on where society was headed.
"The Two Doctors"- although the story is fairly flabby, it marks the final appearance of Troughton as the second Doctor.
Seventh Doctor- Sylvester McCoy
========================
"Rememberance Of The Daleks"- the final appearance of our favourite pepperpots is a brilliant sendoff to them. Full of battles, guns, death and twists and turns you won't see coming for miles....
"Survival"- the final serial is a good one- not brilliant but ok. It's ending is a fine sendoff to a series that was waiting to be reborn.....
First Doctor- William Hartnell
======================
"The Aztecs"- School teacher Barbara Wright- one of the Doctor's companions- is mistaken for an Aztec God. Despite the Doctor's assertion that she shouldn't change history, she tries to stop a ritual sacrifice. The writers don't hold back- she fails and the sacrifice goes ahead.
"The Dalek Invasion Of Earth"- The serial's final moments are the first genuinely touching and emotional spots in the series to date- The Doctor bids farewell to his granddaughter. Hartnell- known for his fluffing of lines- delivers this speech with the most amazing gravitas and sorrow.
"Mission To The Unknown"- the only episode to not feature the Doctor or his companions is a prelude to the serial "The Daleks Masterplan"- itself an outstanding serial spanning 12 episodes with so much death and destruction.
"The Tenth Planet"- our first glimpse at the Cybermen- thank goodness their look changed considerably. It was also the first time that the Doctor would change his appearance...
Second Doctor- Patrick Troughton
=========================
"Evil Of The Daleks"- The final hurrah for the Daleks for nearly 5 years is an absolute cracking tale that crosses timezones and planets and it features a pitch battle between Dalek factions and the Emperor Dalek as well.
"The Enemy Of The World"- Troughton plays both hero and villain in this great little romp. No alien threat, just a madman (played by Troughton) wanting to take over the world. The score utilises the piece "Music for strings, percussion and celeste" by Bartok.
"The War Games"- The final episodes of this 10-part epic reveal the Doctor's origins for the first time. He goes on trial by his own people and is forced to change yet again.
Third Doctor- Jon Pertwee
====================
"The Silurians"- the Doctor tries to play mediator between the people of Earth and a race of beings who lived here millenia ago. The ending of this story is incredibly powerful with the Doctor actually losing.
"Inferno"- An alternate universe where all the good guys are bad guys and the bad guys are even badder? It's an outstanding tale that is gripping from start to finish.
"The Three Doctors"- Hartnell (in his last ever acting role) and Troughton join the current Doctor to battle a rogue timelord. Don't think about the science too much and you'll love it.
"Planet of The Spiders"- To send off Jon Pertwee, they give him a fairly average story but the final scene has been known to reduce some people to tears. Brilliantly acted and paced.
Fourth Doctor- Tom Baker
===================
"Genesis Of The Daleks"- A brilliant story that introduces us to Davros, the mad creator of the Daleks. A great tale of political intrigue and- of course- mass exterminations
"The Brain Of Morbius"- A former timelord- now reduced to a brain in a jar- tries his hand at being reborn. An all-time classic
"The Deadly Assassin"- Without a companion and back on Gallifrey, The Doctor must find out who has killed the President. it all climaxes with an amazing episode set entirely in a make believe world known as The Matrix.
"City Of Death"- Running around Paris, a story that stretches across all eras of Earth's past and with an outstanding cast, this was probably Tom's last great story.
Fifth Doctor- Peter Davison
====================
"Earthshock"- The cybermen return and the unwittingly cause the death of a companion. It's so brilliantly written and performed. One of the series absolute highlights for me.
"The Five Doctors"- Richard Hurndall (replacing Hartnell), Troughton and Pertwee join forces with Davison (Tom Baker had declined) to defeat another rogue timelord (there sure are a lot of them aren't there?). A wonderful story that not only manages to juggle multiple Doctors and companions, but also a number of the Doctor's main enemies too.
"Caves Of Androzani"- One of the most outstanding four episodes in the series history to bring to an end the Peter Davison era. A loathsome villain, the Doctor dying a slow death and some fabulous performances make this 100 remarkable minutes of television. The regeneration itself is the finest to date in my opinion....
Sixth Doctor- Colin Baker
==================
"Vengeance On Varos"- Predicting reality TV about 15 years before it became a reality- a stunning social commentary on where society was headed.
"The Two Doctors"- although the story is fairly flabby, it marks the final appearance of Troughton as the second Doctor.
Seventh Doctor- Sylvester McCoy
========================
"Rememberance Of The Daleks"- the final appearance of our favourite pepperpots is a brilliant sendoff to them. Full of battles, guns, death and twists and turns you won't see coming for miles....
"Survival"- the final serial is a good one- not brilliant but ok. It's ending is a fine sendoff to a series that was waiting to be reborn.....
Sunday, January 24, 2010
On the 80's, Mahler and a man called Lance
I don’t know whether it’s just my generation or not, it could possibly be me looking at the era through rose-coloured glasses but I firmly believe that the 80’s was the last decade when music was, by and large, fun. Nobody really seemed to take themselves too seriously. Oh sure, there were serious performers like Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan etc, but when you hear the popular music of the day it was largely about having a good time and the good things in life.
Last year I bought two 80’s compilations- “101 80’s Hits” and “101 More 80’s Hits”. This compilation, more than anything, proved that creativity in music really died after the 80’s. It was during this time that artists really felt the cold hard hand of the accountants. It’s fair to say that record company pressure had been around for ages before then, but by this time there was a lot more experience under the belt so that execs thought they knew how the public responded. When I think about the bands I liked in the 80’s I think of artists like Europe (“The Final Countdown”), Adam And The Ants, The Bangles and more established bands like Queen, ELO and Kiss. But when you hear songs from that era it all just seems a much simpler and happier time. Recently I’ve been listening to Bucks Fizz. Prior to about 2008 my sole song of theirs that I knew from my childhood was “Land Of Make Believe”. It was a song that got me through some pretty sad times at primary school. To this day, as cheesy at it is, it still makes me smile. But now I’ve listened to a lot more of their material and am amazed at just how good this band was. Their songwriters were outstanding and they have an amazing ability to harmonise. Remember this was an era when there was no protools. Harmonies had to be spot on (even if recorded separately) and this band were outstanding at that.
At the risk of sounding old and fuddy-duddyish I truly believe that the music that is pumped out today is nothing more than marketing. There’s little creativity- certainly in the mainstream market. Artists have to write singles and do videos- not to mention look good. Sadly, ability to actually sing seems to be secondary to how good you look. Imagine Buddy Holly rocking up to a record company today (“Ok geekboy- get your rid of your glasses and stop writing songs about Peggy Sue”) or even Bill Haley (“Dude, stop eating the Christmas hams, you’re becoming one of them. And sheesh, we need to do something about your hair!”). What’s also lacking is fun. Music today is either downtrodden and angry or saccharine sweet treacle. There’s virtually no middle ground at all.
There was a time when I religiously watched the top 40 countdown and knew all the movements in and out of the charts but after about 1992 I just couldn’t be bothered. Ask me to name a top ten song in this weeks chart and I’ll flounder. There are some good artists out there for sure, and many of the more established artists are making great music so I’m not totally in the dark, but it’s still sad that the joys of discovering new music are well and truly over.
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Over the next 6-7 weeks I am going to be involved in something I never thought would happen to me. I’m singing in the Eighth Symphony of Gustav Mahler. Mahler’s music has been a very special part of my life. Ever since I was about 16 I have been listening to his music both in the concert hall and on CD. Of course, being in Adelaide the chances of seeing the symphonies performed live are few and far between. It wasn’t until last year that I saw his Third Symphony live. To this date I still haven’t seen either the 2nd or the 7th Symphonies live either. But the 8th....that’s the granddaddy of them all. It’s not called the “Symphony Of A Thousand” for nothing. Two massed choirs, boys choirs, 120-piece orchestra and eight soloists make a rather loud and truly awesome sound. What has made this experience so special for me is that I will be singing in the choir as part of the Adelaide contingent that is going to Sydney. We’ll be performing the work with arguably Australia’s greatest orchestra- the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and legendary conductor/pianist Vladimir Ashkenazy at the Sydney Opera House. Oh. My. GOD!!! I haven’t been to Sydney since January 1991 when I was at National Music Camp at King’s College (I still have the t-shirt and cap) so I can’t wait to see what the city has to offer. But as excited as I am to be going to Sydney, it’s the realisation that I’ll be singing this amazing work in two different cities that really excites me. Not only that, but I’ll singing with some of Adelaide’s finest talents. If you’re either in Sydney or Adelaide do everything in your power to get along and see this once in a lifetime event.
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Lance Armstrong has undoubtedly raised the profile of the Tour Down Under throughout the world. I don’t deny that this man is an inspiration both on and off the race course. But when he arrived this week he did something enormously stupid. He was asked at his press conference whether he would vote for Mike Rann in the election if he could. It was probably one of those cheeky questions reporters ask thinking that it would make great copy on the news that night. Well they would have been right. He said he would- even though he had no idea about who his opponents were or what they stood for. Naturally enough, the Libs weren’t too impressed. I wonder if Izzy hopped on the phone to Lance’s people and asked to meet him? It would seem to me that if you were going to be asked on record about something like that you would politely decline by saying you didn’t follow local politics and it wasn’t your place. If I was a powerful and influential man and went to the US as the guest of someone and was asked which guy I’d vote for in the next election and I said- for example- the Democrat candidate, I’d be willing to bet the Republicans would go ballistic. What does this ridiculous Aussie know about our country and the intricacies of its politics? Unless Lance has studied our politics over the 51 weeks in the year when he’s elsewhere, or more importantly, applied for citizenship to Australia and then settled in Adelaide then I would humbly suggest he keep his nose elsewhere. Nothing pisses me off more than other countries or international celebs telling us what to do in our own backyard. Especially when the countries can hardly brag on the same issue themselves. When the whole Red Faces debacle blew up last year and all those Americans jumped up and down calling us racist I wanted to ask them how they knew what we did to the indigenous people here? Had they seen the way we try and help them? More importantly, why brand 21 million people racist over the actions of half a dozen men- who incidentally are not even Australian. So with respect to Mr. Armstrong- stick to cycling and cancer awareness. Leave the politics to us.
Last year I bought two 80’s compilations- “101 80’s Hits” and “101 More 80’s Hits”. This compilation, more than anything, proved that creativity in music really died after the 80’s. It was during this time that artists really felt the cold hard hand of the accountants. It’s fair to say that record company pressure had been around for ages before then, but by this time there was a lot more experience under the belt so that execs thought they knew how the public responded. When I think about the bands I liked in the 80’s I think of artists like Europe (“The Final Countdown”), Adam And The Ants, The Bangles and more established bands like Queen, ELO and Kiss. But when you hear songs from that era it all just seems a much simpler and happier time. Recently I’ve been listening to Bucks Fizz. Prior to about 2008 my sole song of theirs that I knew from my childhood was “Land Of Make Believe”. It was a song that got me through some pretty sad times at primary school. To this day, as cheesy at it is, it still makes me smile. But now I’ve listened to a lot more of their material and am amazed at just how good this band was. Their songwriters were outstanding and they have an amazing ability to harmonise. Remember this was an era when there was no protools. Harmonies had to be spot on (even if recorded separately) and this band were outstanding at that.
At the risk of sounding old and fuddy-duddyish I truly believe that the music that is pumped out today is nothing more than marketing. There’s little creativity- certainly in the mainstream market. Artists have to write singles and do videos- not to mention look good. Sadly, ability to actually sing seems to be secondary to how good you look. Imagine Buddy Holly rocking up to a record company today (“Ok geekboy- get your rid of your glasses and stop writing songs about Peggy Sue”) or even Bill Haley (“Dude, stop eating the Christmas hams, you’re becoming one of them. And sheesh, we need to do something about your hair!”). What’s also lacking is fun. Music today is either downtrodden and angry or saccharine sweet treacle. There’s virtually no middle ground at all.
There was a time when I religiously watched the top 40 countdown and knew all the movements in and out of the charts but after about 1992 I just couldn’t be bothered. Ask me to name a top ten song in this weeks chart and I’ll flounder. There are some good artists out there for sure, and many of the more established artists are making great music so I’m not totally in the dark, but it’s still sad that the joys of discovering new music are well and truly over.
=============================================================
Over the next 6-7 weeks I am going to be involved in something I never thought would happen to me. I’m singing in the Eighth Symphony of Gustav Mahler. Mahler’s music has been a very special part of my life. Ever since I was about 16 I have been listening to his music both in the concert hall and on CD. Of course, being in Adelaide the chances of seeing the symphonies performed live are few and far between. It wasn’t until last year that I saw his Third Symphony live. To this date I still haven’t seen either the 2nd or the 7th Symphonies live either. But the 8th....that’s the granddaddy of them all. It’s not called the “Symphony Of A Thousand” for nothing. Two massed choirs, boys choirs, 120-piece orchestra and eight soloists make a rather loud and truly awesome sound. What has made this experience so special for me is that I will be singing in the choir as part of the Adelaide contingent that is going to Sydney. We’ll be performing the work with arguably Australia’s greatest orchestra- the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and legendary conductor/pianist Vladimir Ashkenazy at the Sydney Opera House. Oh. My. GOD!!! I haven’t been to Sydney since January 1991 when I was at National Music Camp at King’s College (I still have the t-shirt and cap) so I can’t wait to see what the city has to offer. But as excited as I am to be going to Sydney, it’s the realisation that I’ll be singing this amazing work in two different cities that really excites me. Not only that, but I’ll singing with some of Adelaide’s finest talents. If you’re either in Sydney or Adelaide do everything in your power to get along and see this once in a lifetime event.
================================================================
Lance Armstrong has undoubtedly raised the profile of the Tour Down Under throughout the world. I don’t deny that this man is an inspiration both on and off the race course. But when he arrived this week he did something enormously stupid. He was asked at his press conference whether he would vote for Mike Rann in the election if he could. It was probably one of those cheeky questions reporters ask thinking that it would make great copy on the news that night. Well they would have been right. He said he would- even though he had no idea about who his opponents were or what they stood for. Naturally enough, the Libs weren’t too impressed. I wonder if Izzy hopped on the phone to Lance’s people and asked to meet him? It would seem to me that if you were going to be asked on record about something like that you would politely decline by saying you didn’t follow local politics and it wasn’t your place. If I was a powerful and influential man and went to the US as the guest of someone and was asked which guy I’d vote for in the next election and I said- for example- the Democrat candidate, I’d be willing to bet the Republicans would go ballistic. What does this ridiculous Aussie know about our country and the intricacies of its politics? Unless Lance has studied our politics over the 51 weeks in the year when he’s elsewhere, or more importantly, applied for citizenship to Australia and then settled in Adelaide then I would humbly suggest he keep his nose elsewhere. Nothing pisses me off more than other countries or international celebs telling us what to do in our own backyard. Especially when the countries can hardly brag on the same issue themselves. When the whole Red Faces debacle blew up last year and all those Americans jumped up and down calling us racist I wanted to ask them how they knew what we did to the indigenous people here? Had they seen the way we try and help them? More importantly, why brand 21 million people racist over the actions of half a dozen men- who incidentally are not even Australian. So with respect to Mr. Armstrong- stick to cycling and cancer awareness. Leave the politics to us.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
"Cats"- Festival Theatre Jan 2010
"The problem with cats," the late Trevor Searle once said to me, "is that it never changes. The set is the same, the costumes the same and even the cast albums sound the same". I guess you can use the old adage that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Whatever the reason, "Cats" has been around for nearly 30 years and its formula has remained largely unchanged.
The set, costumes, lighting and sound have undoubtedly been tweaked through the years and there has been some tinkering with the music but, by and large, it still has the same magic that has kept audiences captive for three decades.
This production is a well polished and lively one. The dancing is slick and solo dance spots are taken by the throat and delivered with aplomb. The characterisations of the various cats is also sensational. No-one breaks character even when they aren't in the spotlight.
Highlights in this particular cast include Shaun Rennie as the powerful Munkustrap, John O'Hara as the flirty and feisty Rum Tum Tugger and Laura McCullough as Jennyanydots.
Delia Hannah is an absolute standout as the haunted Grizabella. She exudes every nuance of this character and when she sings the words of "Memory" you realise just why this song is so popular. Michael John-Hurney also shines in his triple whammy of Bustopher Jones, Gus the theatre cat and Growltiger (one of the most brilliantly executed sequences in the show).
The only drawback in the cast is the rather lacklustre performance of Old Deuteronomy by John Ellis. There is little gravitas- or indeed seniority- in his performance.
The other major drawback is the use of a largely taped orchestra. Whilst the four live musicians hold things together well there is little nuance or shape to the music and a lot of the subtleties of the score are lost- given over to cheesy synth sounds instead. There were a number of times when the cast desperately needed to have the full live force behind- or at the very least a conductor not bound to a tape machine.
Having said that, the large audience wouldn't have cared one bit as they enjoyed every magical moment of this true theatre classic. Yes, it hasn't changed much in 30 years Trevor, but when it achieves what it sets to then who are we to judge?
The set, costumes, lighting and sound have undoubtedly been tweaked through the years and there has been some tinkering with the music but, by and large, it still has the same magic that has kept audiences captive for three decades.
This production is a well polished and lively one. The dancing is slick and solo dance spots are taken by the throat and delivered with aplomb. The characterisations of the various cats is also sensational. No-one breaks character even when they aren't in the spotlight.
Highlights in this particular cast include Shaun Rennie as the powerful Munkustrap, John O'Hara as the flirty and feisty Rum Tum Tugger and Laura McCullough as Jennyanydots.
Delia Hannah is an absolute standout as the haunted Grizabella. She exudes every nuance of this character and when she sings the words of "Memory" you realise just why this song is so popular. Michael John-Hurney also shines in his triple whammy of Bustopher Jones, Gus the theatre cat and Growltiger (one of the most brilliantly executed sequences in the show).
The only drawback in the cast is the rather lacklustre performance of Old Deuteronomy by John Ellis. There is little gravitas- or indeed seniority- in his performance.
The other major drawback is the use of a largely taped orchestra. Whilst the four live musicians hold things together well there is little nuance or shape to the music and a lot of the subtleties of the score are lost- given over to cheesy synth sounds instead. There were a number of times when the cast desperately needed to have the full live force behind- or at the very least a conductor not bound to a tape machine.
Having said that, the large audience wouldn't have cared one bit as they enjoyed every magical moment of this true theatre classic. Yes, it hasn't changed much in 30 years Trevor, but when it achieves what it sets to then who are we to judge?
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Introduction
Greetings and welcome to my new blog. On this page I will be doing the usual blogger thing- ie venting frustrations and pondering on the ways of the world. I'll also use this to review productions I see. Feel free to comment me and let me know what you think. Believe me, I don't mind people disagreeing with me, I don't mind debate, but rude, insulting posts will be deleted and reported.
Enough already....let's blog...
Enough already....let's blog...
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