a blog of found things: words, art, photography, disappointment & hope
A new look for the blog and a time to revisit one of my favourite albums. Go Live by Jonsi (lead singer of Sigur Ros). A gorgeous live album recorded during his acclaimed tour in 2010 in a sumptuous package (CD and DVD).
It’s a triumphant record and well worth seeking out. Below is the track Tornado, one of my favourites…
This band made waves across various blogs last year and earlier this year and it’s not hard to hear why. These are two standout tracks are from the album, Passive Me Aggressive You which has quickly become one of my favourites this month.
Weights.
A simply gorgeous EP from amazing new singer/songwriter: Valentina.
5 utterly beguiling, beautiful and sometimes fragile tracks are to be found here – each one telling a story that echoes long after the music stops.”Try as you might, not to become your father’s son…”
I urge you to buy this record
Rough Trade: http://bit.ly/g6REko
Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin have always been miraculous. This year’s recording by the young German violinist Isabelle Faust is an absolute revelation and one of the finest I’ve heard. Below is a clip from youtube. It’s not the finest on the disc but there are only two on the site. Whilst listening to it you should read the article at the link below the video.
The link takes you to the, ‘Music, Mind, Spirit’ website. This is a music retreat and charitable trust that examines the impact of music on our emotions, well-being and development. I’ve never visited but have always been fascinated at the power of music to move us so profoundly. The article investigates the secret codes or messages that Bach may (or may not according to how sceptical you are) have hidden in his music. Whether utter bunkum or not – it makes for intriguing reading, especially when listening to the very works that are meant to contain these bedrocks of faith.
Enjoy finding the codes amongst the notes…
Here’s the article on Bach’s secret code (an embedded recording starts to play automatically so if you are listening to the video above you’ll need to stop the embedded clip on the page)
So, am having a bit of a classical renaissance in my place a the moment. There’s something about the winter that draws me back to the sounds of strings, altos, tenors and choruses. I know, I know – I have become a walking, talking cliché. But for me the sounds of summer are jangling guitars, catchy choruses and shiny pop, gleaming with the reflected glory of blue skies and the summer sun high in the air. Whereas winter needs, no commands something a little more soul-stirring. What was I saying about a walking, talking cliché?
Here are a couple of favourites that are accompanying me on these cold, dark days – I hope you enjoy them
Play track: Zelenka, Miserere zwv 57
“A few times in my life I’ve had moments of absolute clarity, when for a few brief seconds the silence drowns out the noise and I can feel rather than think, and things seem so sharp and the world seems so fresh. I can never make these moments last. I cling to them, but like everything, they fade. I have lived my life on these moments. They pull me back to the present, and I realise that everything is exactly the way it was meant to be…”
memoryhouse 