Forever Great: Music

Viridissima Virga by Garmarna

2009-12-26T19:27:00.000-08:00

Edit March 17, 2010: As many have found, WMG is *seemingly* randomly removing audio, taking off videos, or blocking videos in certain countries (apparently it is important to officially declare that you're not making money from what you upload). This is true for Viridissima Virga, among others I have posted here. Fear not, I shall do my best to patch what has gone amiss on this blog.

"Viridissima Virga" is a song originally written by medieval author, herbalist, nun and songwriter Hildegard von Bingen. The Swedish band Garmarna did a cover of this song, shortening some of the lyrics and adding a more upbeat rhythm.

This song both in tempo (speeding up and slowing down)and tune (octave diversity and the rising and falling of the notes) is well paired with beautiful footage of a roller-coaster type ride in (I believe the uploader said) Hungary. This is an interesting combination with the lyrics, Latin, and mixes well with the medieval style font.

The overall sound seems kind of folksy, (which isn't necessarily a bad thing), and like a techno remix, especially in the instrumental sections. The violin section seems a hallmark of Garmarna music, a very modern Scandinavian feel.

The song differs in several sections, seeming in places like several songs put together. At fast points it seems somewhat carefree and energized, with a bit of determination. At a slow point it enters a dreamy, almost ethereal state. At the end it's like a wrap-up of the song, and a follow through of the song's story.

A Very Awesome Song from the Drama Queen Seon Duk

2009-12-18T00:40:00.001-08:00

If you are a K-drama addict, or just enjoy watching dramas, you have probably watched or heard of "Queen Seon Duk" a drama about an ancient Korean queen. This song plays in the end credits, though I don't know if it always does.

It's beautiful, it feels tribal, epic, and graceful with touches of modernity. The singer has a beautiful voice, clear and has a wonderful balance between sounding soft and strong. The pace seems a mix between dance and story telling.

The song has a diversity of sound, and gathers energy until it's all swirling and shifting with a central voice; and suddenly it stops, flooding away. Perhaps like another part of the story is about to begin.

Just watch, and enjoy. Any parts you find that you can't quite appreciate at first I believe will grow on you. :)

I believe these are the lyrics:

아라에다닿을까아라에다닿을까

바람길가차가차바람길가차가차

마음길아라로가니

바람길물결건너바람길하늘지나

마음길숨결따라

아라에다닿을까아라에다닿을까

아라로

바람길가차가차바람길가차가차

마음길아라로가니

바람길물결건너바람길하늘지나

마음길숨결따라

아라에다닿을까아라에다닿을까

아라로

아라에다닿을까아라에다닿을까

Lyrics source site

Message In Rouge: Tsuji Ayano: Another Series Two

2009-03-26T02:16:00.000-07:00

This song is rather like a tape of French folk songs I have, more so in the downward progressions. Also like a 50s song, think. It has nice energy; cheerful, with some spring in its sound/rhythm. Apparently the song was featured in the Japanese intro to by the artist Yumi Arai.

The lyrics take away from it rather, if you're not one for love songs highlighting pettiness and cohabitation. Of course, the lyrics could always be interpreted to not be so as they are...

Lyrics (Japanese and English alternately):

Ano hito no Mama ni au tame ni
Ima hitori Rensha ni notta no
Tasogare semaru machinami ya Kuruma no nagare
Yokome de oi koshite

In order to meet my boyfriend's Mama,
Now alone, I rode the train,
As twilight draws in across the street, to this flow of cars,
I give a sideways glance as I overtake.

Ano hito wa Mou kizuku koro yo
Basu ruumu ni Ruuju no dengon
Uwakina koi o hayaku akiramenai kagiri
Uchi ni wa kaeranai

He should have noticed about now,
The message in rouge in the bathroom,
If you don't up your fickle loving soon,
Then I wont come home.

Fuanna kimochi o nokoshita mama
Machi wa 'ding-dong' toozakatte yuku wa
Asu no asa mama kara denwa de
Shikatte morau wa, my darling!

Because my feelings of anxiety remain,
I'll leave this town's Ding-Dong and go far away,
Tomorrow morning, you'll get a phone call from your Mama's
And you'll receive a scolding my darling!

Ano hito wa awateterukoroyo
Basu ruumu ni Ruuju no dengon
Teatari shidai tomodachi ni tazuneru kashira
Watashi no yuku saki o

When he's confusing over,
The message in rouge in the bathroom,
I wonder whether he'll ask whichever friends he can,
Where have I gone?

Fuanna kimochi o nokoshita mama
Machi wa 'ding-dong' toozakatte yuku wa
Asu no asa mama kara denwa de
Shikatte morau wa, my darling!
Shikatte morau wa, my darling!

Because my feelings of anxiety remain,
I'll leave this town's Ding-Dong and go far away,
Tomorrow morning, you'll get a phone call from your Mama's
And you'll receive a scolding my darling!
And you'll receive a scolding my darling!

My little darling, my little darling
My little darling, my little darling

My little darling, my little darling
My little darling, my little darling

Otenki Musume: Tsuji Ayano: Another Series Part One

2009-03-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

As loyal followers may have noticed, Tsuji Ayano is often featured here. People have described her voice as calming; and I agree. This song is called "Otenki Musume" literally "Weather Daughter" or, "Weather Girl". At the end you can hear what Tsuji sounds like when she talks.

My Opinion: This is a beautiful song.It has a pleasant rising and falling quality. Tune is somewhat melancholy, but the overall effect doesn't depress. When viewed for literary purposes, I think it would be used for a child, or youth of some sort. It's sort of like someone singing to themselves, perhaps being inspired by the weather.

What I can tell about the lyrics is that it's in the first person.

Ambiance effects how a song is perceived, and the surroundings used in this song make for an interesting effect indeed.

More Wailin Jenny's "Deeper Well"

2009-03-07T09:13:00.001-08:00

Sorry about the huge hiatus everyone! But I'm back now, and with another Wailing Jennys song called "Deeper Well".

I'm posting two renditions, for contrast. The second one is clearer, but I think the first one sounds more ethereal, and has longer instrumentals.

My Opinion: Apparently this song is usually rendered in a very country style. This rendition contains elements of country, but has a more modern folk feel.

The song's sound is reminiscent of Native American chant, in places. And the lyrics mix natural imagery with a kind of country-style story.

The instrumental is adds a Middle-Eastern (and sometimes central European) touch, but like jazz too. The rhythm is interesting, in a way gives me a sense of watching a TV show, like this would be an overlay to a prologue or something. Part of the story is like the Rumi quote,

"You are quaffing drink from a hundred fountains:
whenever any of these hundred yields less, your pleasure is diminished.
But when the sublime fountain gushes from within you,
no longer need you steal from the other fountains."

One thing it makes me think of, listening to it again, is something that could be a performance art piece. Perhaps it was the setting.

Only detractors that could be seen is overkill repetition at the end, and maybe the vague inconclusiveness of the story in the lyrics... but perhaps, that's the idea, maybe the story isn't over yet.

So all in all, a modernistic, jazzy/country/folksy/Middle-Eastern(and central European)/in the vocal combinations an almost ethereal sounding/ kinda cool song.

This version is a more country sounding version:

Lyrics

The sun burned hot, it burned my eyes
Burned so hot I thought I'd died
Thought I'd died and gone to hell
Lookin' for the water from a deeper well
I went to the river but the river was dry
I fell to my knees an I looked to the sky
I looked to the sky and the spring rain fell
I saw the water from a deeper well

Well...lookin for the water from a deeper well
Well...lookin for the water from a deeper well

I was ready for love I was ready for the money
Ready for the blood and ready for the honey
Ready for the winnin', ready for the bell
Lookin' for the water from a deeper well
I found some love and I found some money
Found that blood would drip from the honey
Found I had a thirst that I could not quell
Lookin' for the water from a deeper well

Well...lookin for the water from a deeper well
Well...lookin for the water from a deeper well

Well I did it for kicks and I did it for faith
I did it for lust and I did it for hate
I did it for need and I did it for love
Addiction stayed on tight like a glove
So I ran with the moon and I ran with the night
And the three of us were a terrible sight
Nipple to the bottle to the gun to the cell
To the bottom of a hole of a deeper well

Well...lookin for the water from a deeper well
Well...lookin for the water from a deeper well

I rocked with the cradle and I rolled with the rage
I shook those walls and I rattled that gage
I took my trouble down a deadend trail
Reachin' out a hand for a holier grail
Hey there mama did you carry that load
Did you tell your baby 'bout the bend in the road
'Bout the rebel yell 'bout the one that fell
Lookin' for the water from a deeper well

Well...lookin for the water from a deeper well
Well...lookin for the water from a deeper well

A Meditative Chant that's Rather Like A Song

2008-06-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

The Tsok Offering (Vajra Melody)

I first heard Lama Gyurme and Jean Philippe Rykiel when shown a vegan-eco video. Their music fascinated me. I wanted to know more about this musical chant style music. This is a song found in my search. I liked it so much I decided to post it here.

Not sure of the words,as I've never learned Tibetan, but it seems to be about Tsok.

The first thing noticed was that most of the notes sliding upwards are combined to sound hopeful. The general tune is similar to someone singing a song while in the midst of wonder.

Sustained notes and the rising and falling patterns make such a lovely sound of going and coming. The trill style in this type of music is pleasant and unique. The whole thing is incredibly immersive.

The singer's nasal, clear, and gravelly shifts make an interstingly diverse sound and song. Listening to his voice, I thought of flight (landing when the sound is gravelly and flying when the tones are clear.)

The wayLama Gyurme sings can be seen as a person singing to someone else to relax or tell a story. I think this because you can hear when he stops for breath. You could think of the song as being sung by a hopeful traveller viewing a wonderful sight as they walk to their goal.

Certain note phrases seem like the kind of music used in movies. A very musical chant, the synthesizer can make it seem like something from an 80s adventure movie.

The patterns in The Tsok Offering make me think of stanzas in a poem when it reaches the lowest notes. The last notes of the song could be seen as part of a charactor's thoughts rising from the subconcious. Like a whole story condensed into an overture, yet the general ambiance is emphasized throughout.

Tell me what you hear!

P.S. The picture used for the song is a very well chosen one I think!

Beauty In A Puppet Song

2008-06-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

And now for something completely different: A Sesame Street composition by Jeff Moss.

I Don't Want to Live on The Moon

My Opinion: I was at ICC in 2006 taking a look around Youtube। I was also at the time reading about the Muppets।

It being two years ago, I can't remember fully right now whether how I heard of this song...However I can remember that when I saw the title, it seemed to put me off a touch...but then I actually looked it up, and the song was forever a favorite.

It's like a philosophical lullaby, speaking to the part of us that wishes to be the explorer, the desire to see. It sings in wonder of all the possibilities in life.

But it also speaks of the people we love, like it's a letter or poem to a friend. An adventurer's musings on all that's happened to them.

The music's combination of notes in the song is not dissimilar to a music box: quieting and sometimes, just a little contemplative.

P.S. I think Jim Henson's voice adds an interesting element to the song.

Lyrics:
Well, I'd like to visit the moon
On a rocket ship high in the air
Yes, I'd like to visit the moon
But I don't think I'd like to live there
Though I'd like to look down at the earth from above
I would miss all the places and people I love
So although I might like it for one afternoon
I don't want to live on the moon

I'd like to travel under the sea
I could meet all the fish everywhere
Yes, I'd travel under the sea
But I don't think I'd like to live there
I might stay for a day there if I had my wish
But there's not much to do when your friends are all fish
And an oyster and clam aren't real family
So I don't want to live in the sea

I'd like to visit the jungle, hear the lions roar
Go back in time and meet a dinosaur
There's so many strange places I'd like to be
But none of them permanently

So if I should visit the moon
Well, I'll dance on a moonbeam and then
I will make a wish on a star
And I'll wish I was home once again
Though I'd like to look down at the earth from above
I would miss all the places and people I love
So although I may go I'll be coming home soon
'Cause I don't want to live on the moon
No, I don't want to live on the moon

Poetic Bluegrass Folk: Wailin Jennys' "Beautiful Dawn"

2008-06-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

Another immortal song performed by the Wailin Jennys

Beautiful Dawn

My Opinion: A touch of amalgam, it's a very poetic and pretty folk song, with bluegrass twang in it. Very interesting.

This is the official music video of the song. That's why I chose it. It follows the song to make an attension keeping movie. I showed it to someone, and she said that certain parts of the video break the tension by being mildly humerous.

Unlike many folk songs I've heard, it's not about destruction of something, or a horrible situation, but the building up of someone, perhaps even from that type of situation.

About how friendship can heal, and when you feel sad or lost, you the wonderment of nature can bring you happiness again.

I've especially taken the lyrics to heart, they're so memorable. Like much of great poetry, many of the lyrics can be interpreted multiple ways. It could even be seen as a condolence card, for someone grieving.

An uplifting song, truly great indeed.

P.S. Comment, my fellow music followers! This blog does love opinions!

P.P.S There's a Final Fantasy music video to this song I've not seen yet. Looks interesting though. I think Final Fantasy might go fantastically well with this.

Lyrics:

Take me to the breaking of a beautiful dawn
Take me to the place where we come from
Take me to the end so I can see the start
There's only one way to mend a broken heart

Take me to the place where I don't feel so small
Take me where I don't need to stand so tall
Take me to the edge so I can fall apart
There's only one way to mend a broken heart

Take me where love isn't up for sale
Take me where our hearts are not so frail
Take me where the fire still owns its spark
There's only one way to mend a broken heart

Teach me how to see when I close my eyes
Teach me to forgive and to apologize
Show me how to love in the darkest dark
There's only one way to mend a broken heart

Take me where the angels are close at hand
Take me where the ocean meets the sky and the land
Show me to the wisdom of the evening star
There's only one way to mend a broken heart

Take me to the place where I feel no shame
Take me where the courage doesn't need a name
Learning how to cry is the hardest part
There's only one way to mend a broken heart

Wailing Jennys: Another Great Song

2008-06-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

This time it's a traditional song from the 1770s. It's meant to be sung at the end of a party or get together.

The Parting Glass

My Opinion: On the outlook for more songs from the Wailin Jennys, I found The Parting Glass. It's another one of those jaw droppingly fantastic songs done only with the power of the voice.

It has a tone of longing, or maybe even sorrow at a loss, it could almost be an eulogy or part of an epitaph. It might even be a song they'd use in a movie, it's got such a strong emotion of departure and leaving friends. In that way, it could be about the strength of friendship, and it's impact in life.

I get the feeling it would blend seemlessly with a good many movies, to make fantastic music videos.

An absolutely beautiful song, with wonderful harmony, and interesting lyrics. Truly great.

P.S. Express your opinion, I do love to hear from you all!

Lyrics:
Oh all the money that e'er I spent
I spent it in good company
And all the harm that e'er I've done
Alas, it was to none but me And all the harm that e'er I've done
Alas, it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit
To memory now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all

Oh all the comrades that e'er I've had
Are sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e'er I've had
Would wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and I'll softly call
Good night and joy be with you all

A Bit of Folk: Wailin Jennys

2008-06-02T07:18:00.000-07:00

This is a song by a group called the Wailin Jennys (a pun on Waylon Jennings)

Long Time Traveller

My Opinion: This was the first song of the Wailin' Jennys I'd heard, (I caught the end of the song). It was right before making a road trip about two years ago to the East Coast, and I was recording a tape. (Yes you heard right, a tape. It was the easiest medium to work with.)

Scooting around the radio, I found NPR playing the very end of this song, on the Prarie Home Companion. Needless to say, I made sure to get the name of the group!

This song is a bit like a journey, (the a capella empasizes it in a way) in and of itself, a touch solemn, and metaphorical. The video I chose has some interesting pictures, really quite good, and mixing beautifully with the song, while adding some bright spots of color.

The Wailin Jennys sound is folk, and yet it's so powerful with pure voices that blend stunningly. It somehow makes something of it's own genre, even though you can tell it's folk.

It makes you sit still, yet it's the same feel you get when in a cathedral where you can hear a pin drop. Where everything is amplified, a humming kind of quiet, with an energizing effect.

Lyrics:
These fleeting charms of earth
Farewell, your springs of joy are dry
My soul now seeks another home
A brighter world on high

I'm a long time travelling here below
I'm a long time travelling away from home
I'm a long time travelling here below
To lay this body down

Farewell kind friends whose tender care
Has long engaged my love
Your fond embrace I now exchange
For better friends above

I'm a long time travelling here below
I'm a long time travelling away from home
I'm a long time travelling here below
To lay this body down

Third Part of Tsuji Ayano Series

2008-05-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

Fly High

My Opinion:Oddly, the style intermittently reminds me of My Father's Dragon, or Harold and the Purple Crayon. Perhaps it's the writing style of the stories, or the scenery used in the music video. Though, the few lyrics I did catch could've been part of it...

A mildly adventurous tune, mixed with hauntingly held notes.

Some sections of the video seemed like a school performance (where she's standing on the stage playing her ukelele.) Or maybe something else...suggestions are welcome!

It's about the singer's love, and how she feels there's nothing she can't accomplish when she's with him. How they can go anywhere and watch the world and fly over the sea.

While I don't normally go for love songs (I find them tiring and generally disgusting,) this is one of a few exceptions.

P.S. One of the commentors on the video's message board has translated the lyrics so, have at it!

P.P.S. From now on this is going to be a weekly blog

Tsuji Ayano Series: Second Part

2008-05-24T17:21:00.000-07:00

O Sewa Ni Narimashita

Edit: January 19, 2010
Once again it seems the video for this song has been removed. So, to compensate, and/or until I find another video Here is a link to the lyrics: お世話になりましたつじあやの歌詞情報 - goo 音楽

And here is a romaji transliteration, with some help with the last part from the Kanji Romaji Hiragana Converter (aka this site: http://nihongo.j-talk.com/kanji/):

asu no asa kono machi wo boku wa dete yuku no desu
gesshuku no obasan yo osewa ni narimashita
anata no yasashi-sa wo boku wa wasurenai deshou
genki de ite kudasai osewa ni narimashita
osewa ne narimashita

otoko nara, yume wo miru itsu mo tooi toko wo
tabakota no obachan osewa ni narimashita
okane ga nai machi mo ato de ii to itte
hairaito wo kureta osewa ni narimashita

atarashii iki kata wo boku wa mitsukete mitai
osobaya no ojisan yo osewa ni narimashita
Shougi no nikui teki go fun to go fun go mama ga
Kuyashii boku dakedo osewa ni narimashita

Nanimo ka mo wasurarenai yo osewa ni narimashita
Daremo ka mo wasurarenai yo osewa ni narimashita

Nanimo ka mo wasurarenai yo osewa ni narimashita
Daremo ka mo wasurarenai yo osewa ni narimashita

My Opinion: This is an interesting song I just happened to find. The ukelele part was something that struck my fancy particularly.

I can't always tell what she's singing (my Japanese is still limited to light conversation--mainly of yes or no quesitons), but from what I can tell, it's about being thankful to those who have helped you long term.

Her skill really seems to shine in this accoustic performance. The video was put together rather well, fitting in a nice way with the song. A definitavely memorable tune and lyrics with a sense of genuineness.

As always, your opinions are appriciated, so don't forget to comment.

P.S. While I've not got the lyrics yet, I'll do my best to figure them out or find them, and add them to this post! If you know what they are, I'd be greatful!

P.P.S. It would be a good song to listen to on a walk.

Edit: December 18, 2009

As some of you may have noticed the above link no longer is active. Here's the song again,a different video, with Japanese subtitled lyrics:

Three Part Series: Tsuji Ayano

2008-05-23T11:30:00.000-07:00

For the most part, I truly enjoy Studio Ghibli films. That's how I discovered the pleasant, happy music of Tsuji Ayano, the ukelele alternative Pop singer.

This will be a three part series, pending further songs.

Kaze Ni Naru (I become wind)

Tsuji Ayano - Kaze ni naru ( Royaume des chats OST )
Uploaded by OtaKu. - See the latest featured music videos.

My Opinion: Tsuji Ayano's music style tends to be relaxing, mellow, and in the case of "Kaze Ni Naru", just plain happy!

This is the first song I heard of hers. I saw the end clip of The Cat Returns and this song was in the credits. The official music video really adds to the song!
The background in the video increases the effect of the song, as green is proven to be a tension releasing color.

Although the song seems to talk about lost friendship, the music video makes it a little less sad. People going about their lives and having a good time of it.

When tied into the events on screen, "Kaze Ni Naru" is about cherishing memories, and enjoying the creation of good memories. Almost like it's about life and people's connection to each other. How you never completely loose someone because of the greatness of life and the times you've had together.

And how little things in life can spark whole new paths in your daily existance.

So tell me what you think, if you've got a different opinion!

P.S. the writing on the man's thumb means "peace" (heiwa).

Lyrics:
I forgot, closing my eyes
To take back the love song
Hiding in the blue sky
I'll stretch my hands to it once more
Don't forget that no matter when
I'll be right next to you
Gazing up at the starry sky, although the dawn is lonely
Just your one heart, won't grow dark in sadness, and
I'll change your sighs into the spring wind

I'll ascend the sunny hillpath
On my bicycle
And I'll take along those memories you lost
La la la la la, I hum a tune
And it color my lips
The happiness I've found with you is like a flower

I forgot, opening the window, the love song, as I started to run
Entrusting it to the blue sky
Once more, I held my hand over my head
I won't forget that no matter when
You'll be right next to me
Shining in the starry sky is the tomorrow where our tears tremble
Just your one word, holding it to my heart
For your sake, I am now being blown back by the spring wind

I'll ascend the sunny hillpath
On my bicycle
And I'll take along the promise I swore to with you
La la la la la, I hum a tune
And it color my lips
The happiness I was able to meet with you is what I pray for

I'll ascend the sunny hillpath
On my bicycle
And I'll take along the promise I swore to with you
La la la la la, I hum a tune
And it color my lips
The happiness I was able to meet with you is what I pray for

The happiness I was able to meet with you
Is what I pray for

Final in Series of Loreena

2008-05-22T14:35:00.000-07:00

The Final in my Loreena McKennitt Series.

All Souls Night

My Opinion: Encouraged by the songs I'd found, more intensive searches for Loreena McKennit songs ensued. "All Souls Night" is what I know to be the best.

A curious stlye, to me it's like a story teller singing, or someone singing in a movie. The citar and the violin make an interestingly unusual sound, mixing India and Ireland. I showed the song to a friend and she likened the trilling vocals to the intro song from Early Edition. I have to say, I agree completely!

The reason I chose a video with one picture is that I wanted to emphasize the song itself, and I thought the picture went nicely with the song. It was how I saw it too, so as a way of connecting more effectively I chose it. I did see other potentially interesting titles with "All Souls Night", so go take a look!

Here's what Loreena says about the song:

This piece was inspired by the imagery of a Japanese tradition which celebrated the souls of the departed by sending candle-lit lanterns out on waterways leading to the ocean, sometimes in little boats; along with the imagery of the Celtic All Souls Night celebrations, at which time huge bonfires were lit not only to mark the new year, but to warm the souls of the departed. - Loreena McKennitt

That sums it up quite well I think!

P.S.Other opinions are greatly appriciated and enjoyed!

P.P.S. I hope you enjoyed this series!

Lyrics:
Bonfire dot the rolling hillsides
Figures dance around and around
To drums that pulse out echoes of darkness
Moving to the pagan sound.

Somewhere in a hidden memory
Images float before my eyes
Of fragrant nights of straw and of bonfires
And dancing till the next sunrise.

Chorus
I can see the lights in the distance
Trembling in the dark cloak of night
Candles and lanterns are dancing, dancing
A waltz on All Souls Night.

Figures of cornstalks bend in the shadows
Held up tall as the flames leap high
The green knight holds the holly bush
To mark where the old year passes by.

Chorus

Bonfires dot the rolling hillsides -- photo
Figures dance around and around
To drums that pulse out echoes of darkness
Moving to the pagan sound.

Standing on the bridge that crosses
The river that goes out to the sea
The wind is full of a thousand voices
They pass by the bridge and me.

Chorus - twice

Third Part of Loreena Series

2008-05-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

Further searches (last may, in fact) for Loreena McKennitt's music were rewarded with the Mystic's Dream, the video below of which is the first I'd heard the song.

Mystic's Dream

My Opinion: The Mystic's Dream's sound starts out very deeply, with a horn/didgeridoo and a wordless song, rather like a chant, very much medieval.

My first impression with the video I saw it in was of the Charn world, for some reason. I think this song goes with Blizzard games well, just because of the ambiance some of their games emit.

In some of the notes of the men's choir section of the song, I'm reminded of "Prologue". Those were the parts that I enjoyed the most. That, and the string/drum/castinet sections. For some reason, the way the bagpipes were written in, it seemed a bit too blaring for me, but it adds a unique Celtic touch.

The Mystic's Dream makes me think of Middle Eastern music (or somewhere thereabouts) by the second section of the song. I think the string instrument and drums are what created that feel. The castinets however, made me think of Spain.

It's an interesting song, with a lot of musical feels to it, mixed about as I suppose a dream would be.

P.S. As always, tell me what you think!

Lyrics:

A clouded dream on an earthly night
Hangs upon the crescent moon
A voiceless song in an ageless light
Sings at the coming dawn
Birds in flight are calling there
Where the heart moves the stones
There that my heart is longing for
All for, for the love of you

A painting hangs on an ivy wall
Nestled in the emerald moss
The eyes declare a truce of trust
Then it draws me far away
Deep in the desert twilight
Sand melts in pools of the sky
Darkness lays her crimson cloak
Lamps will call, call me home

And so it's there my homage's due
Clutched by the still of the night
Now I feel, feel you move
And every breath, breath is full
So it's there my homage's due
Clutched by the still of the night
Even the distance feels so near
All for, for the love of you

A clouded dream on an earthly night
Hangs upon the crescent moon
A voiceless song in an ageless light
Sings at the coming dawn
Birds in flight are calling there
Where the heart moves the stones
There that my heart is longing for
All for, for the love of you

Second of the Loreena Series

2008-05-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

Here's the next in my Loreena McKennit series:

Prologue

My Opinion: The title really does fit the feel of this song, the beginning of a story or a journey, immersion in a mystery, a prologue.

I first heard this when watching Holy Man. I never forgot it. Like the Mummer's Dance, I never knew the name for the longest time. Later when visiting friends halfway across the country, I went to one of their dance practices, and to my surprise, "Prologue" was their song of choice. Neat, huh?

I chose this version because some of the sayings are interesting and the pictures are beautiful. It seems to reflect the song well.

P.S. The instrumental mandolin sound makes me think of Greece or Turkey, or someplace. The violin/fiddle sound kind of makes me think of the South, West, or Southwest.

It almost feels like your standing in some ancient place, like ruins, something very close to a place of transistion, enlivening with the background hum, yet dreamy too.

Tell me what you think.

First of a Series: Loreena

2008-05-21T13:03:00.000-07:00

I am a major music fan. It's one of my almost more than hobbies to find songs that truly resonate with me. There are quite a few.

So, what better way of sharing great music than to make a blog about it?

Essentially, this is a vlog for videos I found with the song, along with my opinions from time to time.

To start things off, I'll be doing a series of Loreena McKennitt.

Here is the first:

Mummer's Dance

My Opinion: The Mummer's Dance is an awesome song I'd heard years ago at a dance concert, and instantly loved it. Then, life happened, and I never found out the name of it till poking around Youtube.

It's so great! The whole song is amazing, it's diverse sounds, the main singer's voical range, beautiful overall tune, lyrics, everything! Overall, to me, it seems like a story or something fantastical...Tell me what you think, I'd love to hear what other people have to say about it.

P.S. I decided on the more official video rather than any others I'd found for the sake of generality. But there are some really great videos people have made with the Mummer's Dance, it fits so well with things and adds a great fantasy, modern medieval, kind of poetic feel!

Lyrics:
When in the springtime of the year
When the trees are crowned with leaves
When the ash and oak, and the birch and yew
Are dressed in ribbons fair

When owls call the breathless moon
In the blue veil of the night
The shadows of the trees appear
Amidst the lantern light

We've been rambling all the night
And some time of this day
Now returning back again
We bring a garland gay

Who will go down to those shady groves
And summon the shadows there
And tie a ribbon on those sheltering arms
In the springtime of the year

The songs of birds seem to fill the wood
That when the fiddler plays
All their voices can be heard
Long past their woodland days

We've been rambling all the night
And some time of this day
Now returning back again
We bring a garland gay

And so they linked their hands and danced
Round in circles and in rowsAnd so the journey of the night descends
When all the shades are gone
"A garland gay we bring you here
And at your door we stand
It is a sprout well budded out
The work of Our Lord's hand"

We've been rambling all the night
And some time of this day
Now returning back again
We bring a garland gay