Push The Button ... I'm Talkin' Music:)

[mrdreamjeans]

My radio in the car is programmed for short cuts to three stations .... 70's Music, Broadway or Blue Collar Radio. I seldom venture from this trio; I listen to one or all of them every time I get in the car. My year of free subscription ends on June 9 and I have to make up my mind whether to continue with Sirius. I suspect I will.

In my dining room, I have an iPod I got for Christmas 2006. It's docked into a nice speaker system thanks to gotmoof. I've played it exactly five times and one of the five is right now. Tim added a bunch of music for me the last time he was here; I plan to listen to the iPod more this summer and watch less television. Optimum use would be if I actually carried it while I was exercising:) In my bedroom, I have a charming, antique-styled sound system that plays cassettes, CDs and albums. I've used it once. It isn't plugged in. My collection of albums are leaning up against the bombe chest upon which the record player sits. My goal this summer is to plug it in and play some of the LPs. Time to make music a priority again!

I've noticed one thing when I'm listening to Sirius. There are singers and shows for which I've developed a dislike. Some used to be favorites. For instance, anything being sung by Liza Minelli, Patti Lupone or the women in the original "Kiss Me Kate" and I hit the button for the 70's. Bette Midler may be added to this list if she doesn't start to sing better than she did on American Idol last night. I can't abide under-pitch singing. Within two notes, I can tell if a song is from "Phantom" or "Mama Mia" ; I cringe and head for the crude humor of Blue Collar Radio.

Among the shows which hold a special place in my heart, please my ears and appeal to my taste in music are: Ragtime, Gypsy, A Little Night Music, Follies, Rent, A Man of No Importance, Fiddler on the Roof, the original Dreamgirls, Baby, Titanic, Man of La Mancha, The Color Purple & The Drowsy Chaperone. So many times on American Idol, I've heard songs referred to as classics. Bee Gees? Abba? Fun songs, terrific arrangements, entertaining, but classics? To me, a classic is a song that stands the test of time, singable by most everyone who can hold a tune. What's your definition of a classic in terms of popular music?

When I headed to work yesterday at 5:15am, I noticed several things I don't often see because I'm not usually up at that godawful time. Wal-Mart had customers; people were working out at the gym (that's not right:); two skunks had been killed on my route, so the aroma was strong; and I started out my radio listening day with Lucille Ball singing, "Hey, Look Me Over!" from "Wildcat". That's almost a campy enough reason to keep Sirius:)

One last note - I am trying to obtain a rare song that I've discovered. It fits my voice like a velvet glove when I sing along with the recording. I'm certain it's my next big audition song, one that will clinch a show. It's called "Artificial Flowers" and it's from the musical "Tenderloin". Does anyone know where I can get a copy without buying the whole score? Does someone by chance have it? Meanwhile ... Time to push the button!

Comments

[rafdfw.livejournal.com]

I think their definition of a "classic" song is probably similar to what makes a car a "classic" car. The simple answer--20 years after it was new.

[gotmoof.livejournal.com]

Re: Artificial Flowers- I assume you mean to buy a copy of the sheet music for it?

Bring your iPod with when you come up, I'll fill it up with more moosic properly.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Will do! It will appreciate seeing the light of day and being taken on a trip:) The song isn't available as sheet music in the original key; I may have to see if someone can locate it for me at Lincoln Library.

HUGS!

Maybe these?

[quietdanmn.livejournal.com]

May not be exactly what you want...

http://www.freehandmusic.com/ProductDetail.aspx?prodid=314966

http://www.musicroom.com/se/ID_No/030493/details.html

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

That's clear when viewing American Idol ... It's also evident in who they choose as mentors ... J Lo, a vocal mentor? *rolls eyes*

But I think quality has to be a component in what determines a classic too ...

What makes a song a classic for you?

[pagerbear.livejournal.com]

Chip gave me a resource for finding rare stuff:

Michael Lavine
broadwaymhl at aol dot com

Re: Maybe these?

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Well, that's a bit embarrassing. You went right to it. That's the song ... However, I want the orginal key (it's higher) and a more complex accompaniment. It sure is good to have computer savvy friends:) Thanks so much, Dan! HUGS!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Great!!! Thanks so much, David!!!!

I took your warning from when you were grumpy yesterday ... I put part of my long post behind a cut!! See, I was reading and listening to you:) HUGS!

SIRIUSly

[sfmini.livejournal.com]

Skunks. Who'd have thought they would be so frequently run over on Market Street in SF? In the three years I've lived here I've had to close up the windows.

SIRIUSly though, my first MINI had SIRIUS and I liked it, up to a point. I found that the music they played was in direct proportion to the cost of the royalties. Some artists and/or labels you were never exposed to. This doesn't seem so bad at first, but after a while I began to notice more and more.

In the new MINI I opted to skip it. Given that I only drive about 4000+ miles a year, well, you do the math. Between the cost of the service and the unit it amounted to $.12 per mile for music.

MINI gave me an iPod. There is a direct connect to the radio unit, gives me much flexibility and no cost, and exactly what you want to listen to to boot.

Re: SIRIUSly

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

You know, that is certainly a good idea. I have a plug-in in the Caliber for an iPod. redbearmark and I have noticed that with both of our services there is a lot of repetition if you are a frequent listener ... or least there's a cycle of songs for a month or two ... I haven't heard a single selection from one of my favorite shows, "A Man of No Importance", much Maltby-Shire music, etc in the year I've been with Sirius. ...

$12.95/ month is a considerable cots for service ...Where we are different is that I've driven almost 21, 000 miles in my first year of owning this car and I live in an area where AM/FM radio consists of stations focused on CW, Latino, Classic Rock and Religious programming. Not a show tune within a 1000 miles:)

[tonethbone.livejournal.com]

Re" Among the shows which hold a special place in my heart,
Ragtime...one of my all time favorite scores
Gypsy, ditto
A Little Night Music...ok
Follies..ok
Rent, yes..great
A Man of No Importance, didn't see or hear
Fiddler on the Roof, of course
the original Dreamgirls, yes, yes
Baby, ???
Titanic, not impressed..too morose
Man of La Mancha, good
The Color Purple -not heard yet
The Drowsy Chaperone-not heard yet

If it survives 5-6 decades ..like South Pacific..and people still love it today..and pay to see the show and hear the music today...it's a classic

[rafdfw.livejournal.com]

Quality of song+quality of performance+time=classic.

When the song also becomes anthemic ("I Am Woman," "We Are The Champions," "I Will Survive") also helps.

[macduff131.livejournal.com]

omg, i've worked on "Artificial Flowers" with my coach...i should get a copy from him...

[mncuddlecub.livejournal.com]

I think there are 2 kinds of "classic", first being of a broader sense to the public. Songs that stand the test of time and people still like them.

But then I think you can have a song that is a "classic" to you individually. For example, I don't think "Love Changes Everything" is going to be an all time great classic song generally speaking. Most of my friends who know it think it's cliche or turn their noses up at it just because it was written by A.L.Webber, but it will be a classic song to me forever. Sort of another way of saying "favorites".

You like "Titanic" the musical huh? I don't know it very well yet, but we're trying to work out doing an "in concert" version of it next year on the anniversary of the boat's sinking. 2 nights only, the day of and the day after.

Re: SIRIUSly

[sfmini.livejournal.com]

I noticed it when I was commuting to San Rafael every day. A couple of hours listening to it day after day, week after week, you really begin to notice.

I'm very happy with digital music over Satellite radio. I can download, rip cds and share music with friends and play it when I want it. I can even take it into my office and play it through my computer or into the house to play on the stereo, not to mention with the ear buds that make everyone look like one of the "pod people"

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

A Man of No Importance has a stunning score and a compelling story all set in Ireland. It hasn't made it to NY, but the music resonates with me like no other.

Baby is an intimate musical that came out in the 1980's as blockbusters were starting to dominate the action. It's the story of three couples in a college town who are going to have a baby.. The score sounds as fresh to me as it did 20+ years ago when I was seeing it four times on Broadway.

Titanic - I found the music magestic and powerful, but the execution of the musical on the stage boring ...I have to acknowledge that I am drawn to scores which play to the strengths in my voice ... lots of power, range, big sound ... emotional.

The final two you replied two are wonderful in their own way. The Color Purple is jazzy, bluesy, sexy and touching; The Drowsy Chaperone is silly and light. a perfect imitation of the 1920's it's paradying.

I agree with your definition. On American Idol, Lakisha scored with And I Am Telling You I"m Not Going. She never was as good again ... And the reason was the choice of song.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Is it possible? I really want to sing this song. Since you've worked on it, what's the high in the piece? Does the piano arrangement support the emotion of the melody and story? I guess I'm finding out that the song isn't as obscure as I thought. I caught it on Sirius radio one day and was blown away. Perhaps, it's just my lack of knowledge .... Your coach doesn't give you copies of the songs to work on?? I have some pretty obscure pieces I can share with you if want something out of the ordinary. HUGS!

[cincy-dave.livejournal.com]

Baby is one of my all time favorite shows.
I've been in 3 different productions of the show.

Not a fan of Titanic. Loved the Broadway production because of the visual aspect, but I never want to see another production of it.


And how can you subscribe to Sirius without having OutQ on your presets. I think the Frank DeCaro show in the afternoons is the best thing on Sirius.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

A concert version of Titanic might work well. The staging, without having an entire ship on stage to sink .... just a little boat sailing across the back . .. made the stage tour a bit ludicrous. You'll be tackling a lot. It has awesome choruses. You'll need people with terrific dialect skills, as that's a key component to the class struggle depicted in the musical and the score. You'll also need lots of voices, as Maury heavily layered vocal parts, which gave the piece a compelling weight. Bonne chance!

I've always referred to "Love Changes Everything" as Love Changes Keys Again:) I think of this song like I do "This is the Moment" from Jekyll and Hyde. The music is a knockout and I can sing the song like nobody's business, but it's hard not to choke over the insipid, generic lyrics. Don't get me wrong, either song sung exceedingly well will get you work, but they are so overdone for auditions, it's like getting a Christmas card in January.

Big HUGS! Hope to see John and you next week!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

"Baby" has always held a place in my heart. Funny, I've always sung Danny's music best, wanted to play Nick, but am now the right age for Alan .... *sigh* ...LOL! I met all of the original cast back in the 80s because I was dating a guy who knew Liz Callaway really well. I am happy/jealous you've got to do the show so many times:)

As to Titanic ... I saw the tour where the visuals were weak. I've always liked listening to the CD more than the show if that makes sense.

Early on I tuned in to OutQ a few times, especially because of Larry's work in the mornings. I've tried to like Frank DeCaro and his colleagues, but a little camp from him goes a long way for me. I quit listening. Funny ... The Blue Collar radio's redneck chat makes me laugh out loud... the camp content wears me out very quickly and often offends me. I guess I should turn in my pink card:) Or figure out why I am reacting that way ...

HUGS!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

A solid definition! Thanks!

[cincy-dave.livejournal.com]

I've been in the ensemble of Baby all three times. Actually, I've played that damn real estate agent all 3 times too. (Am I really the slimy real estate agent type?)

But in one production, my partner played Nick. He started the show half naked in bed with the girl who played Pam. I had to stand behind the bed to make my first entrance, and I used to hear them just giggling away under those sheets. I had to check in a few times just to make sure he hadn't gone straight on me! :)


That is interesting what you think about Frank. I really don't consider myself a campy person, but I really love his show. To each his own i guess.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I could see you playing the doctor too .... "Shooting Blanks" ... the first time I heard that bit in the show, I choked with laughter. One of the things I like about the subsequent performances of "Baby" that I've seen is that they added "Patterns" back in for the older woman. When I saw the show in previews in NYC, it was there. They pulled it out just before opening and so Beth Fowler didn't get a Tony nomination because she had no solo song. Also, there was a narrator, a huge role, for Kim Criswell. By the time the show officially opened, her role was mostly voiceovers, except for one moment when Kim came out and sang, "Pain ... the thing I cannot stand is pain. I told the doctor, "Put me out!".

[elfkat.livejournal.com]

A classic song is the song you won't be tired of in 10 years and is singable. I doubt if there will ever be classic rap. I prefer Sigmund Romberg, R & H, Let's face Rogers and anybody. Lerner and Lowe, Stephen Schwartz, Victor Herbert.

Hugs!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

This is very close to my own definition ... When I listened to the segments on American Idol which referred to the songs of The Bee Gees and Bon Jovi as classics, I felt an argument welling up:) There has to be criteria in place besides longevity which determines what is a classic song. I have to admit, I'm not much for any genre of music where melody isn't the priority.

I suspect everyone's definition will be different ... sort of like the argument about cults and religions ... I've always thought that the only difference between a cult and a religion is the level of acceptance. Perhaps, that's true with music too.

HUGS!

[huladavid.livejournal.com]

For me, a classic song is one that's been around for a while & has a history, or--Philistine that I am--is one that someone's told me is a classic. Also, there's--for me, anyway--personal classics. Songs that have a strong memory/emotional connection. Ones that I have to fight not to tear up when listening to.

(Dolly Parton's playing in the background, which flashes me to "Hard Candy Christmas" from The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas. There's something about the way the song's constructed that I really love. Like the line: "...I'll be fine and dandy/looks like it's gonna be a/hard candy Christmas...")

Side Note: About 20 years ago I was driving home from visiting friends in Milwaukee and flipped the radio on just in time to hear all of "Abraham, Martin & John". As I drove on past the fields I was swamped in memory, and lost in thought.

Then the announcer came on and said, "Ok, the third caller who can identify our Mystery Trivia Song will win three tickets to...."

Came so DAMN close to turning the car around just so I could run him over.

Oh... (Sorry to ramble) Looks like I'll be off camping in the North Dakota Badlands with family this July. Did a little look-around to see what other things were in the area and ran across a mention of the Cowboy Museum, which sparked my interest.

So, of course, I had to sit a figure what it is about cowboys that gets to me. I never cared for Westerns, can't ride a horse, and my only contact with cattle is through marriage (ask me about the morning after my sister-in-law & brother's wedding...). What came into mind finally that it wasn't so much cowboys but more ...uh... "cowboy architecture"...

[bismrkbear.livejournal.com]

I started to reply to this last night, then my computer got all wonky on me. That is great since my reply was too long winded and today I can edit.

I think there are classic songs, classic performances and classic recordings. Classic songs are pretty close to your definition, but I would take out the part about "singable by most everyone who can hold a tune". Just because you can carry a tune doesn't mean you can hook up with the emotion and meaning of the song. "Once in My Life" is an example where a song is so maleable that it can lend itself to such different interpretations as those by Stevie Wonder and Tony Bennett.

Both of those recordings of that classic song are examples of classic performances. Each performer exacted unique emotions from the song. Stevies is more playful, filled with joy and maybe a little amazement. Tony finds the anthemic qualities of the song. "This is mine, you can't take it" becomes more personal; a declaration. A good singer might be able to hit the same notes as either, but still not connect to the level of either of these great performances.

A classic recording has a lot in common with a classic performance, but adds in the influence of the studio. A lot of the disco era Bee Gees falls into this category. Much of the impact of Staying Alive is due to elements that are easier to attain in the studio. The production work of Phil Spector is an even better example where good songs are elevated to "little teenage symphonies".

The intangible in all of this is cultural context. Staying Alive cannot be removed from Saturday Night Fever in most peoples minds and that connection helps influence it's "classic" status.

Okay, so I didn't edit. I didn't even contribute my opinion on AI mentors (even the not so great mentors often outshone the contestants). I guess the bottom line is a classic song is whatever you think a classic song is. I know one when I hear one.

I escaped from North Dakota so....

[bismrkbear.livejournal.com]

Have fun in the Badlands. Have you ever been there before? There is the usual touristy "western song and dance" outdoor theater in Medora I believe. If you are camping with younger kids you can tell them much of Medora was built on money made from Mr. Bubble. It has been so long since I have been there so I can't tell you much more. Between Bismarck and the Badlands you have to point out New Salem Sue, the worlds largest cow. On a clear day you can see her from 10 miles away. It is worth a stop just to touch her udders.

[macduff131.livejournal.com]

he normally does, but we only worked on that song once...at least 2 years ago. i think it may have gotten a slight resurgence of popularity after the Encores! presentation of Tenderloin a few years back. i'm meeting with him monday. i'll ask him about it then.

Re: I escaped from North Dakota so....

[huladavid.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the info! I read somewhere about the Cowboy Museum being in the area, which might be worth a stop. And since my brother & sister-in-law are dairy farmers an worshipful hour or at New Salem Sue is probably manditory. (I wonder if she works like Lourdes?)

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

This is terrific!! And please don't feel that you ever have to edit a comment for me. I thrive on ideas, opinions, thoughts and feelings. Your final sentence is perfect. "I know one when I hear one." Thanks for the imput!

HUGS!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Please ... please ... please... BTW, who do you use?

[macduff131.livejournal.com]

his name is John Lowell. i like him a lot, but i'm thinking it may be time to move on. i may be able to get in with Steven Lutvak...

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

I loved the New York production of 'Baby' ...though a dear friend, a flautist, told me the poster drove her nuts: the background consisted of several bars of music, printed backwards and upside-down(perhaps unintentionally).

Some years ago I saw a local professional production of the show. The 'doctor' was played by a sizeable, brassy actress ... her rendition of the line about 'shooting blanks' had me in convulsions.

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

You...so...right !

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

Hmmm...classic... my guess is that the term refers to a kind of 'cultural consensus'. While we each have personal longtime favorites among musicals, songs, and performances, I've a hunch that 'classical' always involves a community of opinion. Sometimes that 'community' covers a large culture, as in 'American.' Other times it may be comprised of a smaller, even esoteric group. Sinatra singing "My Way" could be considered classic across the country. Anna Russel explaining Wagner's Ring Cycle is classic among opera devotees (though one could also argue some crossover). Classic does seem to require a consideration of longevity and popularity within a culture or segment of a culture. But there's also 'period' classic: at this moment the radio is playing a rendition of "Bluebirds Over the White Cliffs of Dover" which, like Alice Faye singing "You'll Never Know" and the Andrews Sisters' "BoogeyWoogie Bugle Boy" are all classics within the WWII era.
Radio just switched to another classic, this one among modern folk pieces: "Waltzing With Bears." Obviously 'classic' is a category with a lot of different departments.

It's funny, I grew up in the very history of Rock & Roll and have been exposed to a lot of it - yet it has never been "my music." Neverthless, while I'm usually clueless as to who wrote it or sang it, or even the title, there are a lot of "oldy Goldies" that I hear on the radio (at the gym) from time to time and immediately recognize as classic... whether I actually like the piece or not.

A few musicals I have a soft spot for: "Sunset Boulevard" and "Aspects of Love" ...I've seen the grand American productions of both and find each truly haunting ...not perfect, not brilliant, not classic ... but with a special aura. Ditto for "Chess." Definitely not classic: "Dear World" - but I've a soft spot for it. And "Kismet" ... which seems to hover near the 'classic'...even though the Baghdad setting makes it unlikely to play onstage currently.
Cole Porter's "Anything Goes" is classic, bigtime. But I also dearly love his "Out of This World."

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I had a chart made in my key for one of the women's songs in "Aspects of Love" ... The song is "Anything But Lonely". It really isn't gender specific and I feel its message in my gut. I love to sing it. Hearing Linda Balgord sing it in the National Tour of the show was a special moment ... especially meeting her right after backstage. Now (2007), she's nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for The Pirate Queen. Good for her!!

"Dear World" may not have lasted long, but good gracious what a score!! "Kismet" also has a lovely score. I did the show some years ago (mid-80s). Our stars were John Reardon and Patrice Munsel. John dropped out after the first few days of rehearsal and died a week later. Ron Raines replaced him. Also in the cast was Judy Blazer. I had a major role, but was the only one of the principals who wasn't miked and for some reason I never quite mastered how to use a bull whip. Also, the director was a little Napolean. To this day, I can't muster a kind word for him or his work on this project.

Big HUGS!

ps ... Remind me to tell you a couple of Patrice Munsel stories one of these days:)

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

I absolutely love "Anything But Lonely"!! -
I bet you sing the song beautifully. BTW, I was just thinking the other day: I've never had the pleasure of hearing you sing. Are there any recordings ? (hint , hint)

When I was growing up John Reardon and Patrice Munsel were major stars in musicals. Patrice even had her own TV show for a season there. I believe I got to see Ron Raines do Teddy Roosevelt on Broadway (was the show 'Teddy and Alice'?)
Oh , you gotta tell me the Patrice Munsel stories. Show biz dish is the best, and I have utter confidence that you can ladle it out superlatively well! Hugs!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

If I can find it, I have a demo recording of a musical called The Brass Ring. I sang all of the young leading man's music. The recording is 16 years old. I completed the work on it and the composer and producers said, "No one will ever sing this music as well as you have! Yours is the definite take. Now Neil, who do you think we can get to play the role?" AArgh! I've always sort of been the Marni Nixon of tenors.

I intend to do a recording this year ... one of the ways to keep my voice in shape and be learning new material ...

Ron did Teddy and Alice ... and he's been on a soap opera for years. An amazing singer! He's the only man I know who wears a wig and you can't tell. I could only because I saw him without it:)

As to Patrice ... She's a nudist ... Let's just say, she wrecked a few Gay chorus boys lives ....They saw more than they ever wanted to .... hehehe .. More when we visit next:)

[designerotter.livejournal.com]

...I'm chortling already.
Meanwhile, when you get the recording made please,pleaseplease, put me on the lucky recipient list.

[bearfuz.livejournal.com]

Bruce W. Coyle, or Bruce E. Coyle? The latter died (I found a tribute on the Cincinnati Playhouse website) but the former is still around. I have worked with him a couple of times, most recently a year and a half ago at rehearsals for the touring Radio City Christmas show in Myrtle Beach... (Do a Google search for Bruce W. Coyle)

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Damn! I don't know! I didn't know there was more than one. The one I worked with was short, cute, had dark hair and facial hair and wore glasses. I will research this ... otherwise, I could be giving out misinformation. When I hear that Bruce Coyle passed away, I assumed it was the one I knew. You know what they saying about assuming. HUGS!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I just checked one of your links ... It's not the stage management one ... My coach was the musical director Bruce. Better change my comment to macduff131!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I used three vocal coaches in the years I was based in NYC. Bruce Coyle (after research, still around), Don Jones (dead) and Jim Coleman (still kicking as far as I know).That's the early 80s for ya. I also met with a guy whose name escapes me in 2001 when I was preparing for my audition for the Broadway Kiss Me Kate.. He's well-known and very connected to Beauty and the Beast. It will come to me.

[wiltedorange.livejournal.com]

Classic for me is something that creates a connection with the listener that is universal, something thing anybody around the world can hear and understand.

There's a singer by the name of Cesara Evoria who sings a song about soldiers going to war - called Petit Soldat - the arrangement is pretty upbeat yet the whole song (at least to me) reeks of regret.

Have you ever seen Les Parapluies de Cherbourg? One of my favourite musicals every - completely heart-breaking scene where he's been conscripted and she tells him that it's not possible for her to live without him.

[bearfuz.livejournal.com]

The one you know is the one I know, I think, and he's still kicking. Aren't you glad to know that!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I haven't seen it, but many thanks for the reference!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Yes, indeed!!!! Good vocal coaches, especially live ones, are a rare commodity! :)