I must admit I have been a sucker for Josh Groban and his music since I first caught the singer on a PBS special, 'Josh Groban in Concert', in 2002. I loved the sound of his voice, and his adorkable look. I admit I soon owned his first album, his eponymous 2001 release. I have been addicted since, and have all his albums in my collection, and love them all. I enjoy his blend of Classical and Pop, it just works for me. I was excited when I heard he was about to release a new one, 'All That Echoes'. The album is a collection of old jewels and new music co-written by Groban. The first single, "Brave", was written by Groban with Canadian artists Tawgs Salter and Chantal Kreviazuk. Check out the music video for "Brave".
Earlier this summer, a second single was released. "I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)" was written by Stevie Wonder and Yvonne Wright, and appeared on Wonder's 1972 release, 'Talking Book'. It has been covered by man, from rocker Peter Frampton to Art Garfunkel to George Michael. Groban puts his own ethereal spin on the song, as you can hear in the official music video. So I hope yo enjoy Josh singing "I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)".
'All That Echoes' is the first of Groban's sell less than a million copies, but there is still time for that. The first week of release, the album did go #1 on the Billboard 200, which charts the album sales from week to week. I will honestly say that while it is not my favorite of Groban's albums, I did enjoy it. One of my favorite songs on it was the traditional song, "She Moved Through The Fair". The music had a strong Celtic feel, yet Groban's vocals escaped the expected, with the bold reading.
I could listen to Josh singing like that all day long. For more about Josh Groban, you can visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. "All That Echoes is available anywhere music is sold, including iTunes and Amazon.
As tough as it is for me to believe or even admit it, Songs From The Big Chair by Tears For Fears was released 26 years ago, in 1985. This was the second album from the band, who had some early success with songs from 1983's release, The Hurting, which I discussed here. I had scooped up that first album at my import store in the West Village, and loved it. I doubt any of the success of the earlier work could have prepared Curt Smith, Roland Orzibal, Ian Stanley and Manny Elias for what was about to come. If The Hurting was music's Another Country for the 80s, with brooding British schoolboys pouting their way through self-awareness, then Songs From The Big Chair was truly a coming of age, Rock with a degree in Social Welfare, whether it is in a more traditional sense of Freudian study in Mother's Talk, or a stab at Primal Scream therapy in Shout.
The first release in the US is one that would firmly plant the band in the annals of music history. Everybody Wants To Rule The World was a step back, the soothing deep breath you take when you want to relax. From the opening riff of the guitar to the sweet tone of Curt's voice, the song charmed with a sweetness not heard from the band before. It was written by Roland, Ian and producer Chris Hughes.
The next to hit the airwaves was the ode to venting, Shout, also written by Orzabal and Stanley. The album title was derived from the Sally Field TV movie Sybil, for it was only in the "big chair" in the doctor's office where Sybil felt safe. So it should come as no surprise when the band delves into Primal Scream Therapy for inspiration. But what might have been surprising was that the song zoomed up the charts, giving the band their first #1 in the US.
The next release was the delightful Head Over Heels, written by Orzabal and Curt Smith. The video was a wonderful attempt to use Roland's awkwardness to it's best advantage. As Curt, Manny, Ian and a monkey work in the library, geeky Roland reveals his crush on the librarian. I think there are moments when we almost get a smile from Roland...
For the video of the next release, I Believe (A Soulful Re-Recording), I only recently found the video. And will all his layers and baggy sweaters, who the hell knew Roland had that body? Even more surprising, that he was willing to show it off! I might have to rethink my primary crush on keyboardist Ian Stanley. The song, written by Roland, was not released in the US, which might explain why I didn't know about the video. But I do now!
The first single released in the UK was Mother's Talk, in fall of 1984, prior to the album. It was not released in the US until April of 1986. It was written by Orzabal and Stanley, and was a departure from the brooding dramas of the earlier release. The energy level was torqued up a notch, the sound more aggressive. The song made it to the Top 30 on the US Billboard Pop chart.
For more about Tears For Fears, you can check them out on the web here. You can purchase their music on iTunes here, and on Amazon.com here. You can find the sexy I Believe video on iTunes here. The band is still active and tours, although Curt and Roland do live in different countries, with Smith settled in California and Orzabal still in the UK. Wile Roland shies away from anything resembling social media, Curt is really quite active. You can find his official webpage here, and his very active Twitter account here. He is a great follow if you are on Twitter. You can find some of Curt's solo work on iTunes too. Click here for a great single, All Is Love featuring Zoe Keating.
Recently, I went through a bit of a Spring Awakening thing once again, marveling at how good the music for the show actually was. I also stunned myself, for when I checked, I see that I hadn't posted about the show, so this is long overdue. It is one of my all-time favorite Broadway experiences. For those who might not know, Spring Awakening is a musical adaptation of the controversial 1891 German play of the same title by Frank Wedekind. It took 15 years for the first performance of the play in Berlin, and was first performed in New York City in 1917. The play was opposed and often banned for it's realistic depiction of teenage children. I was drawn to the musical as it was the work of a musician whose work I really love, Duncan Sheik. He collaborated with Steven Sater to create a beautiful and moving theatrical piece. When I saw the show on Broadway, I openly wept, and was brought to my feet at the end by the courageous performances of the youngsters on stage, as well as those behind it who made sure this show made it to Broadway. Two of those youngsters went on to make a name for themselves on a television show named GLEE. Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff played Wendla and Melchior to perfection.
The show deals with sexuality and all that comes with it for the teenage boys and girls at a school in Germany. From a discussion about wet dreams to masturbation to rape and sexual abuse, the topics brought to the table shocked many during the 20th century. In fact, it might still shock many, as we hear part of the country want to return to what they call 'simpler' times, which is a code for not wanting to discuss or acknowledge anything that makes them uncomfortable. Sex, love, homosexuality, and education all can push this button for people, especially when it is connected to their children. Yet one of the things the show clearly shows is that the failure for parents to discuss matters of sexuality with their children can lead the kids down a path of blind experimentation, embarrassment and shame that is good for no one.
The show opens with a young girl, Wendla, trying to have a discussion about her burgeoning sexuality with her unseen mother. Rather than explain to her how babies were made, Wendla's mother would say only that there could be no babies without love. Upon discovering that this might not be the trust the girls in the town sing Mama Who Bore Me to lend voice to their dismay. It is also the first time we get to see the work of choreographer Bill T. Jones, whose inspired work with movement, the controlled energy and chaos inherent to the situation, are seen. His work was pure genius.
The boys certainly saw their own frustrations. The highly-strung Moritz was confused during a class, and errs with the teacher. Good friend Melchior defends him, only to be punished with a yardstick. Afterwards, Moritz confesses he made the mistake to to a lack of sleep. He has been having erotic dreams, and he is troubled by it. Melchior tries to explain to him that all the kids are discovering their sexuality, and tries to tell Moritz he is not only not alone, but part of a large group. Soon the boys are discussing their experiences in the song, The Bitch Of Living. It deals with boys finding exciting images in their piano lessons, the gym class showers, and in their dreams as they sleep.
Moritz, still frightened to be talking about the topic, asks Melchior to write it down so Moritz could read about it in private, and be less embarrassed and self-conscious. Melchior does, and Moritz reads it voraciously. However, he thinks it has only increased his libido, and this scares him. Again Melchior tries to ease his mind, and tell him that they are all looking for intimacy. The kids all sing Touch Me about the subject.
Wendla happens upon Melchior in the woods, and they talk. The conversation starts off with remembrances of their childhood, but inevitably ends up sexually charged. Although both are fraught with sexual energy, they don't pursue it, and sing The Word of Your Body.
One of the girls accidentally mentions she has been abused, both physically and sexually, by her father, but begs they say nothing. She fears she would be turned out of the house like their friend Ilsa was, who now lives a bohemian life with no family or home. Moritz stole a peek at the test results, an is relieved he passed. That is short-lived, as the school feels too many students passed, and elects to give Moritz a failing grade. He is devastated, and wants to run away to America to flee his shame. As he cannot get the money for the trip, he is at a loss for his future. He contemplates suicide. Wendla and Melchior end up in the hayloft during a storm, both confused about what is going on with their bodies and with the lives of their friends. They reach out to one another for intimacy, for love. They struggle with their feelings, and are soon having sex.
And thus ends Act I. Act II will be covered next Monday. And these were just some of the highlights of the first act, there are other songs. The Original Cast Recording of Spring Awakening is available everywhere music is sold. You can find it on iTunes here, or on Amazon.com here. The music is amazing, and well worth adding to any collection.
It was a year ago today that Stephen Gately left us, and I still find myself listening to his music, both his music with the group Boyzone, and his solo stuff as well. It is with Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch that Stephen first became known as part of the Irish boyband Boyzone. Ronan and Stephen became the lead singers, and Boyzone shot to stardom in Ireland 1994, and soon conquered the UK and Europe. In 1998 they had a hit with the song No Matter What.
In 1999, Gately broke the news that he was gay, making headlines across the UK. While it was big news, Gately was fully supported by his bandmates. However, within a year the band went on a prolonged hiatus, and both Gately and Keating went on to release solo albums. Gately's was released in 2000, named New Beginning, also the name of the first single. It scored well on the charts. It should have, cause I think it is a wonderful song.
The second single was I Believe, which was also included as part of the soundtrack to the movie Billy Elliot. I really loved this song.
By 2007, Boyzone was starting to think about getting back together. First there were some live appearances, and a few on television specials. They returned to the studio, and did a couple of new songs that were to be included as part of a Greatest Hits collection. One of the songs was the beautiful love ballad. When doing the video, the boys decided, in a nod to Stephen, to cast a male actor opposite Stephen, and there would be physical contact. It was quite controversial, but it made for an exquisite video. This is Better.
In 2003, Gately entered married Andrew Cowles in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 2006, they officially registered in London for a civil partnership. The couple were introduced by friend Elton John and his lover, David Furnish. A year ago, Stephen was excited about beginning work on a new album with Boyzone, having laid down some tracks before heading off on vacation with Cowles. It was shocking and quite sad that he passed while away.
Andrew Cowles & Stephen Gately
Sadly, even after his death, there was some controversy. A particularly poisonous and homophobic write for London's Daily Mail wrote and published a report filled with misinformation, lies, and stereotypical hate. Despite a report from the coroner which dispelled some of what was said, and many others, from other journalists calling it "vile" and "idiocy" to the former Prime Minister of Ireland to the record company complained about the homophobic swill. The article was removed from an Irish edition of the paper.
At the funeral, Ronan Keating gave an emotional and loving tribute to Gately, above. The band also finished the work on their album, and included the vocal tracks Gately had laid down to date. The first video was dedicated to Stephen, a loving tribute that can be seen here. And the band just announced that one year later, they are putting up a special webpage here that was a place to remember Stephen.
The UK-based band first got together in 1989, six guys looking to make their own style of music. James Atkin, Ian Dench, Derry Brownson, Mark Decloedt, Zac Foley, and DJ MILF EMF pulled together to make a sound that was very new, very fresh, and, for my money, ahead of its time. Take, for example, their first single, Unbelievable. The song, off the Schubert Dip album, jump starts with the sound of rock guitars, and by the chorus is in full-throated drum support, all the while maintaining a party atmosphere in the song. All the while, the song is sung with a somewhat reedy British boy complete with accent and slight detachment. The sound was like no other on my radio at the time, and I loved it.
Perfect Day was released in 1995, and the song opens with a guitar riff more psychedelic in nature, lending a retro feel, without sounding old fashioned. It was off the Cha Cha Cha album, and the song didn't chart in the US, but it certainly made an impression on me.
The second single off the debut album was I Believe. It combined the driving synthesizer with the harder edged guitar with a background vocal suited for a late 60s/early 70s pop song. Atkins vocals were at their most involved and impassioned on this track, a nice switch from the earlier ones. While it didn't make the US Pop chart, it did in fact make it to the Top Ten on the Modern Rock chart.
Lies was the final release from the debut. Again the guitars were more Jimi Hendrix than most for the day, with a hard charging beat belying the mariachi feel to the flugelhorn. It felt as though Jimi was playing for the Thompson Twins, or some other edgy New Wave band, perhaps completing the journey Terry Hall was taking when he created The Colourfield. Whatever it was, I enjoyed the ride. Lies made it into the Top 20 on the Billboard chart, topping out at #18.
For more information on EMF, check out their official website here.
I just saw the passing of Stephen Gately on Saturday, October 10, while on a holiday in Majorca. Gately was only 33. He is survived by his husband, Andrew Cowles, who were joined in a civil union in 2006. Stephen was part of the Irish boyband Boyzone, whom I had featured in an earlier post. While with the band, Stephen came out publicly in 1999. Boyzone had reunited in 2008 for a greatest hits release. In a video for the song Better, Gately was seen with a male partner, something I find both brave and inspiring.
Stephen Gately with partner Andrew Cowles
Gately had a solo career that included a couple of hits in the UK. He was adorable, just cute as a button, very much the boy-next-door type. My favorite was New Beginning, and yes I do have it on my iTunes.
He also had a hit song that was featured in the movie version of Billy Elliott, I Believe.
To the best of my knowledge, Gately had just the one solo album. He had appeared in several musicals, including West End productions of Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Boyzone were planning to get together once again, and his bandmates were to join him in Majorca this weekend. Initial reports are they are heartbroken, as they were all very close. I am saddened by the news. I will once again post the video for Better.
Boyzone were Ronan Keating, Stephen Gately, Keith Duffy, Shane Lynch and Mike Graham. My thoughts go to them, as well as with Stephen's family and his partner.
