Obviously those kids could play their butts off… but in this video, they’re obviously older. I dunno if Michael woulda sung those notes at that age… maybe. But Jermaine at least would not sound like he was still 14! And he does. Also, notice how they cut the song off right before the talking part? Also, there are strings in the recording, and there are no string players in that studio. Nowadays you could attribute it to a backing track, but I have my doubts as to whether or not they did that back in the day. What do you think?
So a while back I watched this anime series called “Dennou Coil.” It was about a bunch of kids living in a near future where everyone wears glasses that were basically their computers. The glasses projected images onto the lenses allowing them to see and interact with virtual objects, animals, as well as perform basic computer/cell phone functions like email, web surfing, and making phone calls. At the time I thought it was a neat concept, but I definitely think we’re heading in that direction.
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So, 3D movies are the new hot thing. James Cameron, Steven Spielberg, and many other big shots in the industry are betting that it will catch on like wildfire. I just saw UP in 3d, and after getting over the initial “WOW this is in 3d” thing, it was a very enjoyable and immersive experience (is it leaps and bounds over just a 2d movie? I dunno…) But, what I found interesting was an article in Time magazine which was talking about the 3d movies. As we all know, you have to wear glasses to enjoy 3d movies. When talking about the future of 3d, Jeffery Katzenberg (CEO of Dreamworks) said the following:
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“Someday,” predicts Katzenberg, “people will buy their own movie glasses, which they’ll take to the movies–like people have their own tennis rackets.”
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Isn’t that a neat concept? Only a hop and a skip to the realities of Dennou Coil. ‘Cause if we all have 3d glasses, and they become fashionable enough, made with prescriptions, etc… stores will start making 3d billboards, and stuff like that. Everything will be 3D! But that doesn’t make it interactive… but check out this new “game” developed for a handheld system:
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I think the next logical step for that technology is to put it in our Cell Phones. Imagine a manequin standing in the window naked. You could hold up your cell phone, and then dress the manequin however you want to, preview the clothes available in the store, stuff like that. Brings a whole new level to window shopping.
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The next step is this new technology from Microsoft called “Project Natal.” Basically you can interact with video games with NO controller. Just use your body! It works by having a camera pointed at you that can accurately detect your appendages and how they’re moving… check out the vid.
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Then you imagine combining the technologies together, and you have something very similar to what exists in the reality of “Dennou Coil.” The “Natal” thing is only related because there will need to be some way to interact with everything, but it’s unlikely we can have cameras pointed at us at all times… but I’m not concerned, I don’t have to be the one to figure it out. If this ever happens in my lifetime though, I’m sure as heck gonna be an early adopter.
So, this is pretty off-topic from what I usually blog about, but I found it fascinating and scary at the same time. Conservative radio show host “Mancow” volunteers to get Waterboarded, and then shares his reaction.
I did a search for “Piano Lessons” on Flickr, and this is what came up. I think it’s funny. You should too.
Here’s a sweet little song written by Andy Davis. Don’t mind the video, it’s the only one i could find with the studio recording. This is a good example of lyrics that are written very conversationally, but still rhyme and whatnot. Take the first line for example:
“We’ll rent a comedy, rewind the best parts and we’ll memorize the lines
I’ll call everyone and they can come over if it keeps things off your mind”
I’m teaching it to my guitar class currently. I really like it, enjoy:
When I write songs, I consider lyrics one of my weakest points. When I listen to music, I always end up listening to the melody and stuff more than the words people sing. I’ve often gone a long time really enjoying a song without even knowing what the meaning is… sometimes I even learn the words without thinking about what I’m saying!
Anyway, I was talking to somebody about how if a song has really catchy / good (subjective) music but crappy lyrics, it can still be a mega-hit. People seem to care less about the actual lyrics of a song so long as the tune scratches that itch we have in our brain to hear catchy melodies.
Here is my example for today. This song is only in circulation in Japan, but it illustrates my point perfectly. I personally think it’s stupid catchy (that’s a good thing kiddies), but the lyrics are decidedly lacking. I hate forced rhymes… meaning, rhyming two lines without any coherent thought being conveyed. Take this line for example:
“Still I end up in a mess,
Every time I second guess”
Yeah, you can argue that it’s a complete thought, but the way it’s written isn’t natural. It’s forced. A more natrual to say it would be “I always end up in a mess everytime I second guess myself.” Right? But once again, I am not the strongest lyricist, so what do I know? Enjoy the song, ’cause it’s catchy!
I tried to find an example of a song with excellent lyrics but questionable music, but couldn’t think of any. It’s either because I dont listen to lyrics very much, or that I’m right in saying that great music can save a song with crappy lyrics, but the best lyrics in the world can’t save a song that is lacking musically.