Music Recs: 4 Versions of Nature Boy
Jan. 5th, 2018 09:54 pmNature Boy, written by eden ahbez in 1947, is a Jazz standard at this point. And I adore it. Here are four different versions of this song.
1) Nat King Cole was the first to record Nature Boy (in 1947). It became very commercially successful for him. If you watch the video, you'll see why. He's fantastic. (Check out this Wikipedia article to find out how he got the song.)
2) The Late (and very much lamented) David Bowie sang Nature Boy for the soundtrack of Moulin Rouge (2001). This was the first time I'd ever encountered the song, and I immediately loved it (and started hearing versions everywhere. Even one in the tv show New Amsterdam). There are actually 2 versions of the song on the soundtrack, but the linked one is the non-Massive Attack one.
3) I love Aurora , so imagine my joy when I found her version of Nature Boy (2016). It's eerie and it sounds like there are wind chimes in the background on some of it. She really makes it her own.
4) There are so many versions of this song out there that it was really hard to choose four. (Seriously, just go to Youtube and type "Nature Boy song" if you want to hear more.) But for my final selection, I'm selfishly choosing mine. A few years ago I recorded it for a friend, and I just stuck it up on Soundcloud so you can hear it too. My version of Nature Boy...three ways (acapella).
I hope that these four selections helped you to enjoy Nature Boy as much as I do. If you have a favorite version (Frank Sinatra? Gregory Porter? Shirley Bassey?) please let me know in the comments.
1) Nat King Cole was the first to record Nature Boy (in 1947). It became very commercially successful for him. If you watch the video, you'll see why. He's fantastic. (Check out this Wikipedia article to find out how he got the song.)
2) The Late (and very much lamented) David Bowie sang Nature Boy for the soundtrack of Moulin Rouge (2001). This was the first time I'd ever encountered the song, and I immediately loved it (and started hearing versions everywhere. Even one in the tv show New Amsterdam). There are actually 2 versions of the song on the soundtrack, but the linked one is the non-Massive Attack one.
3) I love Aurora , so imagine my joy when I found her version of Nature Boy (2016). It's eerie and it sounds like there are wind chimes in the background on some of it. She really makes it her own.
4) There are so many versions of this song out there that it was really hard to choose four. (Seriously, just go to Youtube and type "Nature Boy song" if you want to hear more.) But for my final selection, I'm selfishly choosing mine. A few years ago I recorded it for a friend, and I just stuck it up on Soundcloud so you can hear it too. My version of Nature Boy...three ways (acapella).
I hope that these four selections helped you to enjoy Nature Boy as much as I do. If you have a favorite version (Frank Sinatra? Gregory Porter? Shirley Bassey?) please let me know in the comments.
Very Random Music Recs
Jan. 4th, 2018 08:57 pmSo, I saw that someone on Fandom Snowflake was looking for music recs, and I LOVE telling people about music I enjoy. I've already given them some specific recommendations, but here's a few things for everyone:
Hey! Want to listen to an Icelandic hymn in train station? Of course you do! (Árstíðir - Heyr himna smiður ) The harmonies! The echoes! The loud cheering after!
Do you like interesting instruments? Yes? Then check out Wintergatan's Marble Machine. (If you want more information on the machine, there are videos of the build on the Band's youtube channel. And an article from Wired here)
If you enjoyed that, you might also like Orkestra Obsolete playing Blue Monday using 1930s instruments (from BBC Arts)
I'll finish off this random rec list with "The Longing" - Patty Gurdy (she plays the Hurdy Gurdy). It's the Hurdy Gurdy version of a song by her Pirate Folk Metal band, Stormseeker.
That's it for this installment. I hope y'all enjoy.
Hey! Want to listen to an Icelandic hymn in train station? Of course you do! (Árstíðir - Heyr himna smiður ) The harmonies! The echoes! The loud cheering after!
Do you like interesting instruments? Yes? Then check out Wintergatan's Marble Machine. (If you want more information on the machine, there are videos of the build on the Band's youtube channel. And an article from Wired here)
If you enjoyed that, you might also like Orkestra Obsolete playing Blue Monday using 1930s instruments (from BBC Arts)
I'll finish off this random rec list with "The Longing" - Patty Gurdy (she plays the Hurdy Gurdy). It's the Hurdy Gurdy version of a song by her Pirate Folk Metal band, Stormseeker.
That's it for this installment. I hope y'all enjoy.
The other day I was listening to the PRI Global Hits podcast, and I ran across this extremely melancholy clarinet solo by a Syrian, currently living in New York, named Kinan Azmeh. The song is called A Sad Morning, Every Morning. He calls it: "A little prayer for home. Dedicated to all those who have fallen in Syria in the past year."
It grabbed me, and I immediately started hunting for it, so that I could listen to the whole thing. It turns out that you can't seem to buy it anywhere (unsurprising, as it was his way of communicating his sorrow, and he had no interest in profiting from the situation.) You can experience the song in this video, though. It's well paired with some haunting animation.
Um...you might want to have a tissue handy if music gets to you in the way it does me.
It grabbed me, and I immediately started hunting for it, so that I could listen to the whole thing. It turns out that you can't seem to buy it anywhere (unsurprising, as it was his way of communicating his sorrow, and he had no interest in profiting from the situation.) You can experience the song in this video, though. It's well paired with some haunting animation.
Um...you might want to have a tissue handy if music gets to you in the way it does me.
I'm sure that most of you have heard this song already. ...But it's my current song obsession, and it's, to coin a phrase, fucking awesome. So, give it another listen.
Also? It's one of the few videos I've seen lately that I love, so here's the video.
Also? It's one of the few videos I've seen lately that I love, so here's the video.
Awesome Music: The Bombay Royale
Jul. 20th, 2013 10:27 pmSpeaking of retro music stylings, I would like to introduce you all to The Bombay Royale.
The Bombay Royale is an Australian band that originally planned to take some Bollywood hit songs from the 60s and 70s and breathe funky new life into them. That they did...but then they started writing their own songs. And the result is the album You Me Bullets Love. Their website describes their style thusly:
"The magic and mayhem of vintage Bollywood collides in spectacular fashion with a dizzying blend of Tarantino-esque surf, wild disco, flamboyant theatrics, swirls of kaleidoscopic colour, outrageous costumes and utterly irresistible dance moves that sweep entire crowds off their feet."
...Yeah. That works. But I'd add: Retro-Awesome. Some of their songs are in English, others in Hindi or Bengali. The first track on the album has no words at all. Every song is full of Retro-Awesome. Even better? The band has given everyone a persona, such as The Mysterious Lady and The Railways Mogul.
You know what? I'd better just show you. It's easier than explaining.
Make more sense now? See why I love this band so much, and want them to tour my way already?
Someone figure out how to use this band in a fanwork already.
And, before I leave you, you can listen to the first song on the album here.
Happy Listening!
The Bombay Royale is an Australian band that originally planned to take some Bollywood hit songs from the 60s and 70s and breathe funky new life into them. That they did...but then they started writing their own songs. And the result is the album You Me Bullets Love. Their website describes their style thusly:
"The magic and mayhem of vintage Bollywood collides in spectacular fashion with a dizzying blend of Tarantino-esque surf, wild disco, flamboyant theatrics, swirls of kaleidoscopic colour, outrageous costumes and utterly irresistible dance moves that sweep entire crowds off their feet."
...Yeah. That works. But I'd add: Retro-Awesome. Some of their songs are in English, others in Hindi or Bengali. The first track on the album has no words at all. Every song is full of Retro-Awesome. Even better? The band has given everyone a persona, such as The Mysterious Lady and The Railways Mogul.
You know what? I'd better just show you. It's easier than explaining.
Make more sense now? See why I love this band so much, and want them to tour my way already?
Someone figure out how to use this band in a fanwork already.
And, before I leave you, you can listen to the first song on the album here.
Happy Listening!
Music for Fanworks: Werewolves
Jul. 15th, 2013 10:44 pmWerewolves. They're dead popular. From Teen Wolf to the werewolf AU, they're all over the place in fandom. So...if you were recording a podfic and wanted a bit of werewolf-related music, what would you use?
Well, I have three to offer you, and I hope that some of you have some other suggestions that I can add to the list. Please comment and let me know!
Firstly, we have my favorite: Of Wolf and Man by Metallica
This one is pretty self-explanatory. It has useful werewolf-related lyrics, and good intro music. A nice overall choice for a werewolf podfic that needs a bit of rock music.
Next up is She Wolf (falling to pieces) [feat. Sia] by David Guetta
This one is a bit more of a dance tune (so it shouldn't be too surprising to discover that I first encountered it on Dancing With the Stars.) It has a faster beat than I generally use in a podfic, but then, that's me. And I can't say that I might not use it at some point anyway. It has some excellent lyrics that could be used for all sorts of stories. Give it a listen, and you'll see what I mean.
And finally, I offer you: Shakira - She Wolf
"There's a She Wolf in your closet/let it out so it can breathe."
I'm sure that this song would be useful for any number of fanworks, but someone out there *has* to use this for a Crack!Fic. ...Or at least something comic. I mean, just watch the video. Shakira is obviously having a bit too much fun. Someone please take that joy and do something fun with it.
...And that's all I have. If folks comment with their picks for wolf music, I'll add them on here at the bottom.
Added:
How could I forget to mention Werewolves of London? *headdesk* Thanks,![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
aimedatthestars!
Well, I have three to offer you, and I hope that some of you have some other suggestions that I can add to the list. Please comment and let me know!
Firstly, we have my favorite: Of Wolf and Man by Metallica
This one is pretty self-explanatory. It has useful werewolf-related lyrics, and good intro music. A nice overall choice for a werewolf podfic that needs a bit of rock music.
Next up is She Wolf (falling to pieces) [feat. Sia] by David Guetta
This one is a bit more of a dance tune (so it shouldn't be too surprising to discover that I first encountered it on Dancing With the Stars.) It has a faster beat than I generally use in a podfic, but then, that's me. And I can't say that I might not use it at some point anyway. It has some excellent lyrics that could be used for all sorts of stories. Give it a listen, and you'll see what I mean.
And finally, I offer you: Shakira - She Wolf
"There's a She Wolf in your closet/let it out so it can breathe."
I'm sure that this song would be useful for any number of fanworks, but someone out there *has* to use this for a Crack!Fic. ...Or at least something comic. I mean, just watch the video. Shakira is obviously having a bit too much fun. Someone please take that joy and do something fun with it.
...And that's all I have. If folks comment with their picks for wolf music, I'll add them on here at the bottom.
Added:
How could I forget to mention Werewolves of London? *headdesk* Thanks,
aimedatthestars!Awesome Music: Caro Emerald - That Man
Jul. 14th, 2013 09:46 pmI've been in a retro mood lately, so I'm starting off with Caro Emerald's That Man.
I'm sharing this song, because it's my favorite of her work so far. It's got a bouncy, catchy, swing tune. Frankly, I have trouble sitting still while listening. That was particularly interesting when I first heard her music on the PRI Global Hits podcast. ...I was driving, you see.
If someone were to use this in a fanwork, I'd particularly like to see it used in a fan video showcasing clips of someone. I mean, really, it's pretty much perfect for a montage of awesome.
There you go. A spot of retro-swing from Dutch singer Caro Emerald.
Awesome music is awesome.
I'm sharing this song, because it's my favorite of her work so far. It's got a bouncy, catchy, swing tune. Frankly, I have trouble sitting still while listening. That was particularly interesting when I first heard her music on the PRI Global Hits podcast. ...I was driving, you see.
If someone were to use this in a fanwork, I'd particularly like to see it used in a fan video showcasing clips of someone. I mean, really, it's pretty much perfect for a montage of awesome.
There you go. A spot of retro-swing from Dutch singer Caro Emerald.
Awesome music is awesome.
I may have mentioned in the past how much I love music. I REALLY love music.
One of the ways that I find new music these days is through fanworks. You know, fanmixes, fanvideos, the occasional fic that references music, and, of course, podfic.
I don't think I'm alone in this.
I also know that sometimes it is nigh impossible to find just the right song for your project. I recently spent a month hunting down just the right song for one myself.
So, I'm going to start posting links to awesome music here. Sometimes, just because of its pure awesomeness. Sometimes because I think that someone might just find the right music for a project with a little extra help. I'll be mainly talking to podficcers, as that is my corner of fandom, but let that not discourage all and sundry.
Do you have some awesome music to share? Comment with links!
That's basically it. Awesome music. A spot of commentary.
And here we go...
One of the ways that I find new music these days is through fanworks. You know, fanmixes, fanvideos, the occasional fic that references music, and, of course, podfic.
I don't think I'm alone in this.
I also know that sometimes it is nigh impossible to find just the right song for your project. I recently spent a month hunting down just the right song for one myself.
So, I'm going to start posting links to awesome music here. Sometimes, just because of its pure awesomeness. Sometimes because I think that someone might just find the right music for a project with a little extra help. I'll be mainly talking to podficcers, as that is my corner of fandom, but let that not discourage all and sundry.
Do you have some awesome music to share? Comment with links!
That's basically it. Awesome music. A spot of commentary.
And here we go...
…And the song obsession I've has for the last 3 days (I watched the video, then immediately bought the song and I've been listening ever since) is: (I’m the One That’s) Cool by The Guild/Felicia Day. Fair warning for the sensitive (like me): this video shows depictions of bullying (seemingly from the memories of the characters). If this is something you might have trouble with, just listen rather than watch. The song is great. It’s a “Ha! Geeks are cool now!” anthem.
Luckily, I don’t think that anyone saw me rocking out in my cube.
( I resemble that remark... )
Luckily, I don’t think that anyone saw me rocking out in my cube.
( I resemble that remark... )
You may yet remember that I get obsessed with songs. Well…here is Sunday’s song obsession: Abney Park - Steampunk Revolution. I think I’ve listened to it 100 times already, and I can’t wait for the album to come out.
Why did I get obsessed by this one? Well, 1)I love Abney Park 2)I groove on the Steampunk aesthetic 3)The tune is catchy and I can dance to it (in my room...and possibly in my cube).
( And all the steampunk stuff they show is real... )
Why did I get obsessed by this one? Well, 1)I love Abney Park 2)I groove on the Steampunk aesthetic 3)The tune is catchy and I can dance to it (in my room...and possibly in my cube).
( And all the steampunk stuff they show is real... )
And here, at last, is Z (just under the wire.) Zbigniew Preisner - Van Den Budenmayer - Concerto In E Minor (SBI 152) Version 1798 (from the soundtrack of La Double Vie de Veronique.) Simply put, this piece is glorious.
( here endeth the meme )
( here endeth the meme )
Almost done! Here's my choice for Y - Weird Al Yankovic - White and Nerdy. The vid is the first take of the White and Nerdy music video. I couldn't resist.
( Dance Donny Dance! )
( Dance Donny Dance! )
Day 24: XTC - King For a Day
Dec. 29th, 2011 10:49 pmHigh School flashback alert! (Well, for when I was in High School anyway.) My choice for X: XTC - King For a Day.
( X marks the spot )
( X marks the spot )
Day 23: White Stripes - Seven Nation Army
Dec. 28th, 2011 10:30 pmWell, here's my choice for W: White Stripes - Seven Nation Army. What can I say? I just like the song.
( Have I ever mentioned that I used to take drum lessons? )
( Have I ever mentioned that I used to take drum lessons? )
Day 22: Vienna Teng - Blue Caravan
Dec. 19th, 2011 09:28 pmOkay, with two weeks to go in the year, here is my choice for the letter V. Vienna Teng's Blue Caravan is a melancholy exploration of a self-created reality. It's also beautiful. Give it a listen and see what you think.
( oh my blue, blue caravan... )
( oh my blue, blue caravan... )
Remember how I said I wanted to finish this music thing by the end of the year? Well, here is my Letter U. Urbanized feat. Silvano - Helpless (from the film Jeffrey) was nigh impossible to find the correct version of. Everyone seems to think various remixes are the correct version. Sorry, none of those remixes do it for me. The version I want is the one from my Jeffrey soundtrack. Here it is. If you liked the film Jeffrey, you might enjoy the slideshow on the video. Otherwise, just enjoy the music.
( I don't know what to do without you... )
( I don't know what to do without you... )
Day 20: The Rope - Water to Wine
Dec. 2nd, 2011 08:50 pmI promised myself that I'd finish the alphabet in music before the end of the year, so here, at last it "T." Yes. I know. I'm totally cheating by counting the "T" in "The."
I don't care. This is my new music obsession (as of today) and this way I get to share it with you. Win-win, yes?
This is Water to Wine by The Rope, a recent band with a sound that harkens back to when I was in High School. I love it.
( This is not the lead singer from the Psychedelic Furs )
I don't care. This is my new music obsession (as of today) and this way I get to share it with you. Win-win, yes?
This is Water to Wine by The Rope, a recent band with a sound that harkens back to when I was in High School. I love it.
( This is not the lead singer from the Psychedelic Furs )
I know, I know. It's been forever since I started this. ...But I got stuck on "S'" and only now have I figured out that my beloved "Symphony of Science" totally starts with S. Now, a word of caution for this video. I know that many people have an issue with the use of Autotune (and in general I agree) and this video uses same. So, if you are one of those you may wish to skip this one. If not, I hope that you enjoy Symphony of Science - A Glorious Dawn:
( in which we float, like a mote of dust in the morning sky )
( in which we float, like a mote of dust in the morning sky )
Day 18: The Republic Tigers
May. 27th, 2011 11:06 pm...And we're back, with The Republic Tigers singing Buildings and Mountains. You can blame my sister for introducing me to this one.
