ED SHEERAN'S HITS ARE POSITIVELY MESMERIZING
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THE GLORIOUS CORNER
Story By: G. H. HARDING
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Ed Sheeran |
SHEERAN STAYS ---It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes we’ll miss something and are duly chagrined when we finally get it months later. I must admit that I never got Ed Sheeran; that tuff of red hair and his wailing acoustic guitar I guess threw me. Well, we did miss him and now having fully gotten into the artist’s latest album X (for multiply), I have to simply say it’s one of the best albums I’ve heard on years.
The two big single hits from it, “Don’t” and “Sing” are positively mesmerizing, but I found a real love for “Bloodstream” (produced by Rick Rubin of all people) and “Nina.” “Runaway” is another Pharrel Wiliams winning production that's hard to beat. The soulful "Thinking Out Loud" sounds like Marvin Gaye gone acoustic, with hints of "Let's Get It On." "Afire Love" showcases his vocals against an enchanting piano/violin backdrop; a touching look at his Grandfather's battle with Alzheimer’s.
I think Sheeran successfully and brilliant navigates the gap that sometimes exist between the genres of music these days.
"I'm not a rapper I'm a singer with a flow" says Sheeran on "Take It Back.”
In one breathe he’s half James Blunt and the very next he’s Eminem. And, brilliantly executed for sure.
I also think his somewhat low-key production works for him as his voice is a magnificent instrument all on its own. I must admit, when I saw him perform with Elton John at a recent industry event I did love it and did instantly realized that the two artists represent old school ... and, new. Interestingly, Elton’s company (Rocket Music) manages him (as they do Blunt) and they've done a rather amazing job. Truth be told, I bet the two (Elton and Ed) have had some life-changing conversations.
Well crafted both lyrically and melodically. Every song on X is outstanding. It is so rare that you find an album today that can be listened to from start to finish without skipping. This album is just that. It is already on my Top ten of the year. Amazing! A must-hear.
DEVIL’S DOOR --- Lakeshore Records will release the At The Devil’s Door – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack digitally on October 28 and on CD November 25, 2014. The album features original music by Ronen Landa, who previously collaborated with the film’s director Nicholas McCarthy on The Pact.
“Nick has always been supportive of my musical ideas, even-- or especially-- when they are pretty unconventional. Sonic experimentation has become a hallmark of our collaboration, and I'm fortunate to work with a director who believes in the artistic possibilities of film music,” said Landa.
"Working with Ronen on our second feature was amazing,” said McCarthy. “He pushed himself further than ever before, writing an intensely creative score that keeps up neck-and-neck with all the unusual turns that the film takes. I can't imagine the movie without his great work."
Landa's career as a classically trained composer could not have been easily predicted. Aside from a few years of piano lessons as a youngster, the bulk of his initial musical training came in the form of listening to hordes of rock and jazz albums, teaching himself to play songs on his guitar, and performing with bands in his hometown outside Washington, D.C.
Upon moving to New York City at 17, Landa was reintroduced to classical repertoire, and soon thereafter began composing for chamber ensembles and orchestras. Even as he continued to perform in popular settings, his musical interests broadened to include New York's improvisational music scene and musical traditions from around the world.
Other feature films Landa has scored include the 2014 film Cavemen, the international drama Festival Of Lights, the landmark Iraqi-made documentary The Dreams Of Sparrows (Official Selection: SXSW), City Of Borders (Winner of the Teddy Audience Award, Berlin International Film Festival), the romantic drama Divergence (Official Selection: Method Fest), and the uplifting environmental documentary Burning In The Sun (PBS).
From the producer of The Strangers and the writer/director of The Pact comes At The Devil’s Door starring Naya Rivera (Glee), Ashley Rickards and Catalina Sandino Moreno. When ambitious young real estate agent Leigh is asked to sell a house with a checkered past, she crosses paths with a disturbed girl whom she learns is the runaway daughter of the couple selling the property. When Leigh tries to intervene and help her, she becomes entangled with a supernatural force that soon pulls Leigh's artist sister Vera into its web — and has sinister plans for both of them.
CLOSING NOTES --- I watched the second episode of the CW 11’s The Flash last night and it admirably matched the high-quality of its debut last week. For Flash-fans (and, there are legions) this was a true-blue of The Flash tale, which began back in January of 1940. Grant Gustin, who plays The Flash/Barry Allen is exceptionally good, as is Tom Cavanagh, Danielle Panabaker and, in an interesting casting turn, John Wesley Shipp, who originally portrayed the crimson crusader in an early 1990 TV series. A really nice touch is the return to TV of Jesse L. Martin (Law & Order), as Joe West, a surrogate father to the character. They've tweaked just a tad with the original origin story, but it all works. The CW 11, as they did and have with Arrow, has a hit on their hands with this one …
I caught on episode of Saturday Night Live from 1990 last weekend, that featured an impossibly-thin Alec Baldwin and the B-52’s as musical guest. It was a great episode with Baldwin in almost every scene. Say what you will about him and his antics, but his timing, at least for this show, was brilliant. The B-52’s were awesome too. Loved this …
Somewhat jarring hearing Michael Jackson’s “A Place with No Name” for a Jeep commercial earlier, and then bookended into his “Thriller” for a Halloween-spot. No question: His music lives on ...
For the first time in his career, a full length Leonard Cohen concert has been shot in high definition and will be released on December 2 with Live in Dublin. The new release documents Cohen's September 12, 2013 appearance at Dublin's 02 Arena during his 2012-13 world tour in support of the album Old Ideas. Live in Dublin includes Cohen's entire show including the 11-song first set, 10-song second set and 8-song encore with the DVD including three additional songs from the Canadian leg of his tour in April 2013 ...
Just saw Bono apologize for releasing the new U2 album via an Apple-promotion. He was contrite and almost saddened by the whole affair. Honestly, it was probably sounded like a great idea at first; but, all the noise was about the promotion ... not the album. I haven't heard it yet, but understand its great ...
What's with all these cars shows? Jay Leno just announced his Jay Leno's Garage series will air on CNBC joining Jerry Seinfeld's Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee .. what's next ... Bono's Rides or Riding With Micky? Too funny ...
Book Pic to click: Kelly Crigger’s Curmudgeonism: A Surly Guide to MidLife (Greybeard) …. Order me a dozen!
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