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We are bringing the two Signals together under one Blog, there will be more posts, more music tips and more frequent posts. The new home to The Signal Blog is up above.
Much thanks
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
It’s all in the La-La-Las
We kick this weekend off with a new tune from Sigur Ros. It’s called “Gobbledigook” and it includes several sections where the words are just la-la-la. I just couldn’t help myself, I was singing along almost as soon as I heard the piece. We’re also playing “Henry Lee,” an older duet from Nick Cave and PJ Harvey. It also has la-la-las, but in this case they’re a bit sinister – not quite serial killer crazy, but I’d be watching my back.
All this got me thinking about why there are times when we leave the words behind in a song and just go for some nonsense syllables. Sure, it makes it easier to sing along, but there seems to be a barrier where words have to stop, so the stronger emotions can take over. In “Death By Ninja (A Love Song),” Woodpigeon tell us about all the horrible ways they can kill (metaphorically speaking), so they can move in on the object of their desire. But then the words disappear and we get a strange chorus of la-la-las as the courtship ensues. Veda Hille uses ah’s in “Book of Saints,” Born Ruffians try La-da-da in “Red, Yellow and Blue” and Jorane, well, she goes for something closer to “oh” in most of her vocalizing for the soundtrack to Je n’aime que toi.
I am more of a composer, than a songwriter, so I do have a habit of getting carried away with the notes and not always catching the words. I have to admit that I thought the Destroyer song we have on Saturday night was “Introducing Ninjas,” when it’s really “Introducing Angels” – big difference, even if some Angels have a habit of fighting.
It’s a real challenge for anyone combining music and words. At times you want to appeal to the higher brain functions with slick word combinations. I like how Timber Timbre uses references to classic songs like “Twist and Shout” to pull all kinds of memories and emotions out of us – just by repeating a simple phrase that’s so well known. Owen Underhill brings together words from over a millenium’s worth of writers in his “World of Light.” But then he uses the orchestra to create sound visions based on those ideas. I don’t know if we should consider that a lower brain function, but the more powerful emotions seem to grow out of a place where the best we can do is sing is la-la-la.
All this got me thinking about why there are times when we leave the words behind in a song and just go for some nonsense syllables. Sure, it makes it easier to sing along, but there seems to be a barrier where words have to stop, so the stronger emotions can take over. In “Death By Ninja (A Love Song),” Woodpigeon tell us about all the horrible ways they can kill (metaphorically speaking), so they can move in on the object of their desire. But then the words disappear and we get a strange chorus of la-la-las as the courtship ensues. Veda Hille uses ah’s in “Book of Saints,” Born Ruffians try La-da-da in “Red, Yellow and Blue” and Jorane, well, she goes for something closer to “oh” in most of her vocalizing for the soundtrack to Je n’aime que toi.
I am more of a composer, than a songwriter, so I do have a habit of getting carried away with the notes and not always catching the words. I have to admit that I thought the Destroyer song we have on Saturday night was “Introducing Ninjas,” when it’s really “Introducing Angels” – big difference, even if some Angels have a habit of fighting.
It’s a real challenge for anyone combining music and words. At times you want to appeal to the higher brain functions with slick word combinations. I like how Timber Timbre uses references to classic songs like “Twist and Shout” to pull all kinds of memories and emotions out of us – just by repeating a simple phrase that’s so well known. Owen Underhill brings together words from over a millenium’s worth of writers in his “World of Light.” But then he uses the orchestra to create sound visions based on those ideas. I don’t know if we should consider that a lower brain function, but the more powerful emotions seem to grow out of a place where the best we can do is sing is la-la-la.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
June 20, 21, 22
The Signal with Pat Carrabré- Friday JUNE 20, 2008
This evening Pat samples the intensity of the acclaimed Penderecki String Quartet. There will be new sounds from Sigur Ros, John Zorn, Human Bell and Will the Circle. Then chill out when Pat brings you tonight’s concert: David Kristian, one of Canada’s premier experimental/techno artists. The concert comes to us from Radio Canada's very excellent Bande A Part The whole evening is set to be one smooth ride.
The Signal with Pat Carrabré - Saturday, JUNE 21, 2008
Tonight a very special concert: a re broadcast of Tomson Highway’s world premier of The Journey, a music drama he collaborated on with composer Melissa Hui and choreographer Michael Greyeyes. Pat will spin new music from Garth Stevens, El Perro Del Marr and Mogwai. Pat also quickly slips into a cape and some blue tights for some superhero music. We should all have our own theme song, don’t you think?
The Signal with Pat Carrabré - Sunday, JUNE 22, 2008
We have reached the summer solstice, join Pat tonight on the Signal when he celebrates the light with a cello-tastic evening. Tonight three concerts have been brought together from across Canada: one by Owen Underhill from Vancouver, A cello-tastic world premiere by David R. Scott with a little help from The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and from Montreal two pieces, one by Claude Vivier and more cello from Sean Ferguson. The vibrations continue into the night when Pat samples a film soundtrack composed by Montreal singer/cellist Jorane.
This evening Pat samples the intensity of the acclaimed Penderecki String Quartet. There will be new sounds from Sigur Ros, John Zorn, Human Bell and Will the Circle. Then chill out when Pat brings you tonight’s concert: David Kristian, one of Canada’s premier experimental/techno artists. The concert comes to us from Radio Canada's very excellent Bande A Part The whole evening is set to be one smooth ride.
The Signal with Pat Carrabré - Saturday, JUNE 21, 2008
Tonight a very special concert: a re broadcast of Tomson Highway’s world premier of The Journey, a music drama he collaborated on with composer Melissa Hui and choreographer Michael Greyeyes. Pat will spin new music from Garth Stevens, El Perro Del Marr and Mogwai. Pat also quickly slips into a cape and some blue tights for some superhero music. We should all have our own theme song, don’t you think?
The Signal with Pat Carrabré - Sunday, JUNE 22, 2008
We have reached the summer solstice, join Pat tonight on the Signal when he celebrates the light with a cello-tastic evening. Tonight three concerts have been brought together from across Canada: one by Owen Underhill from Vancouver, A cello-tastic world premiere by David R. Scott with a little help from The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and from Montreal two pieces, one by Claude Vivier and more cello from Sean Ferguson. The vibrations continue into the night when Pat samples a film soundtrack composed by Montreal singer/cellist Jorane.
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