SOUNDTRACK: BEN FOLDS-University A Capella (2009).
The story goes that Ben Folds heard some a capella bands and decided to give them some airtime. So he had them record a bunch of his songs.
I have been surprised at how much I enjoy some kinds of a capella music. Ed Helms’ stuff on The Office is certain fun, but on a more serious level, it’s amazing what these singers can do with their voices in terms of diversity, range and even sounds.
But at the same time, it’s the lead vocalist on most a capella tracks that sell the song. And, on this disc there are a lot of lead singers I don’t like. Part of it is because I don’t like R&B vocal stylings, which I find too over the top at times. Although I do admit that there;s one or two on here that work very well.
Overall, I enjoy this disc. It’s fun to hear different interpretations of songs that I know and like. Although I think realistically its the songs that Ben himself sings that I enjoy the most.
[READ: April 25, 2010] Romantic Dogs
This is the final Bolaño book that I’m going to read before finishing 2666 (Savage Detectives you’re next). And it happens to be a collection of Bolaño’s poetry.
I have a complicated relationship with poetry. I have written (and had published) a few poems. I dated a woman who was (and I suppose still is?) an excellent poet (hi, Paula). When I worked for a literary magazine, I learned how to judge poetry. And yet, I don’t really read it. And I think the reason for that is that, in my head, poetry deserves more attention than I’m usually willing to give it. I feel like a poem should be pored over, read and re-read and, if good enough, memorized.
I have memorized about two poems in my life. And since I often don’t feel like devoting a ton of time to poems, I just don’t really read them. And that’s a shame for me, because while poetry does demand a closer look, it’s not a precious item that should be put on a pedestal and looked at only when company comes over.
And Bolaño is as good a poet as anyone to demonstrate that. (more…)
A few weeks ago on the Late Late Show, Craig Ferguson began inviting his guests to engage in an awkward pause with him. Awkward pauses have been somewhat de rigeur in popular culture for a number of years now. In fact, Ricky Gervais has pretty much built a career on them–and we have him to thank for such brilliant fare as The Office and even Modern Family.
In addition to reading, Sarah and I watch TV, too. In the past, I posted occasional updates to a Tab devoted to TV. But I’m going to put new information in individual posts instead. So I’m starting with this season’s TV.
I Just Read About That... 