Thursday, May 28, 2009

Music Video Thursday: "Vacuum Funk"

Word association - when I say alphorn, what's the first thing that comes to mind?



Yeah, I thought so. Here's Eliana Burki, who's determined to change the way people think about alphorns (volume on this video is a little lower than normal):



This is actually pretty impressive - alphorns have no valves (like a bugle or didgerido), so there's only a certain set of notes that can actually be played on it, which makes it challenging to come up with interesting melody lines, etc. Ms. Burki is known in alphorn circles as an anarchist, what with her ripped jeans and nose piercing. I fear for our youth, with such a corrupting influence.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Music Video Thursday: "YYZ"

YYZ is the identification code for Toronto Pearson Airport. It's also an incredible instrumental piece by Rush, especially when they perform it live with a massive drum solo by Neal Peart:



On a related note, a 13-year-old drummer named Sara did a pretty decent cover of it (with a MIDI track for the guitar/bass/synth parts), with some fancy stick moves - but what I like best in this is the absolute joy on her face as she's playing. This kid loves to drum, and it shows:



My 11-year-old daughter started percussion this past year in school, and has been enjoying playing snare and bells. Hopefully soon she'll get into a full drum kit (although, for the sake of the rest of the household, I hope it'll be digital!) and have just as much fun.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Music Video Thursday: "Crazy Train", Before and After

Back in October 2006, I did a "Before and After" with "Land of Confusion" as performed by Genesis and Disturbed. Now, well over 2 years later, here's another musical double-shot for you.

1980 saw the launch of Ozzy Osbourne's solo career, and his first single "Crazy Train" was a hit, with a very catchy guitar riff that is now a classic (and outlandish outfits that thankfully are not):



Fast forward 29 years, and you'll find a 9-year old Japanese kid playing on the Ellen DeGeneres show. The guitar looks like it's probably taller than him, but the kid has got some decent chops:



He even sings while he plays, although it's hard to understand. Considering that it's Ozzy, that may actually make it more authentic.

EXTRA SPECIAL BONUS: "Crazy Train" as interpreted by the electronic musical genius called Microsoft SongSmith:



And for those of you keeping score at home, this marks two consecutive editions of Music Video Thursday after a looooooooooong break. No promises that this is back as a regular thing, but I am feeling inspired again.

UPDATE: Whoops, guess this is a (partial) repeat - the original Crazy Train video was a Music Video Thursday post back in October 2007. Where did I leave those memory pills again?

Thursday, May 07, 2009

Music Video Thursday: 80's Mix Tape: "Don't Stop Believing"

There once was a small town girl who broke my heart, many years ago. I don't know if she knew, but I always thought of this classic Journey tune as "our song", and every time I hear it, even after nearly 20 years, it still brings back memories - good memories, painful memories.



And now, here I am in a small town, married to a (different) small town girl, and raising three small town girls (and a small town boy). You never know where life will lead you.