Sing, My Angel!

I am sad to say I've never had the privilege of seeing "The Phantom of the Opera" live. But I know the music well. This clip actually sends chills down my spine.

And I had to include this for its overwhelming Gothic imagery! From the snakes on the gravestones to the wedding dress/mirror scene to the billowing red-lined cape of the Phantom, this absolutely smacks of the most ravening doom!

People Are Fragile Things

I recently discovered this band from Birmingham, England. (I must note that another wonderful band, Black Sabbath, originated in this city.) Editors list U2, Joy Division, and REM among their influences; this is patently evident in their dark, rich sound. This song is from their first album, "The Back Room".

Enjoy! What is your favorite current band?

You're Wasting Your Time... I've Made Up Your Mind

Morrissey seems to be one of those artists whom you either love or hate. This song was the first I heard of his, played for me by my then-friend/now-husband, which garnered him (my husband) a strange look and the comment, "This guy is seriously creepy." To which he replied with a grin. My husband is an extreme fan, having once traveled to Chicago to hear Morrissey at the Aragon ballroom and then flown back to KC to see him here two days later. (Oh, the lucky man.)

Needless to say I've become converted and now Morrissey's many songs, spanning the decades of his career, form part of the soundtrack of our home and our relationship. Morrissey quotes intersperse our conversations and the melodies evoke memories like few other sounds.

Here's to that late-night training session, Husband M.!

Iggy and Squiggy

I'm not sure how many of you know that I'm a Celtic harpist and vocalist... but here is one of my favorite clips of traditional music played very well on a harp! Cheyenne Brown is making quite a name for herself on the instrument. Originally from Alaska., she has lived in Scotland since 2002, graduated with honors from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, and has a master's degree in ethnomusicology from the University of Edinburgh. She has also recently released her first solo album which is definitely on my Birthday list!

Turn and Face the Strain

My husband has been singing this song by the inimitable David Bowie as we undergo our move. One verse I want to quote for you:

I watch the ripples change their size
But never leave the stream
Of warm impermanence and
So the days float through my eyes
But still the days seem the same
And these children that you spit on
As they try to change their worlds
Are immune to your consultations
They're quite aware of what they're going through.

BWV 1001

Bach has one of the most structural and beautiful styles I've ever heard. This talented gentleman, Xavier Diaz-Latorre, demonstrates a lovely violin sonata in d minor.

Joy Await Thee

My husband has been learning to play the bouzouki lately and yesterday, while I made a pie, he joined me in making what we felt was very good music! The song we are currently working on is performed below in Gaelic by the excellent Scottish band Capercallie. It is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful Scottish ballads of all time. Enjoy!

What is your favorite Celtic song?

Shattering Glass and Dancing in the Dust

Enjoy, even if you've heard this song a million times on the radio! I think this may be one of the most striking music videos I've ever seen, and Adele's authenticity and powerful voice give me the shivers every time.

The Wiley, Windy Moors

I'm preparing a longer post on my latest read, Wuthering Heights, and by way of preparation I wanted to share one of my favorite songs by a truly artistic and eccentric lady, Kate Bush. I fancy in Kate's face I can see the manic animation of Cathy's countenance in the early days, and in spite of some over-drama I am mesmerized by the weird quality of Kate's voice. She's captured the strange and lonely elegance of the Yorkshire moors as presented by Emily Bronte.

What do you think?