As a child, I remember going to quite a few shows. One of my favorite memories was seeing Rosenshontz. They were wonderful at engaging the audience, getting the kids to sing/dance and even got the parents to act silly. This was back in the day when you saw singing groups in small intimate groups and were all close to the stage. To this day, I still remember some of the catchy and fun tunes. . . they are classic! Here is the cover of one of my favorite albums:
Flash forward to the other night. We took our boys to see The Wiggles. This year, it was in a much different venue and the show style had changed. Not only did The Wiggles sing and dance, but they also showed althleticism. I kid you not, the Wiggles Go Bananas tour seemed like a hybrid of Cirque du Soleil meets The Wiggles. It was amazing watching Anthony stand on his head, do cartwheels, and fly in the air. Even Captain Feathersword got into the act. Here’s a video that we took of one of the classic Wiggles songs. At the end of the clip, you will see a little of what I mean with Jeff and Captain Feathersword (there was so much more with crazy props and things).
This weeks question is inspired by The Wiggles and my memories of Rosenshontz.
What was your favorite concert that you went to as a child? Do you take your children to concerts? If you do which ones?
Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this fun for Friday. Please be sure to head over to her blog to say hello and sign the MckLinky there if you are participating.
Have you ever listened to a song that you just loved from the first time that you heard it? That is what happened to me back in 2000 with the song "Superman" by Five for Fighting. I fell for not only the lyrics, but the amazing voice and sound of lead singer John Ondrasik. We bought the CD America Town before the song "Superman" became sort of a tribute to the events of Septemeber 11, 2001. To this day, when the song comes on the radio it sends chills down my spine, it really is that special.
I was recently asked by the One to One Network to take a sneak peak of Five for Fighting’s latest release "Slice" via digital download. I was excited to review this CD because it was a chance to listen to some of my own music. My digital copy of the CD came just before the release date of October 12, 2009. I immediately downloaded the music and put it on my laptop to listen. I was quickly mesmerized with the voice of John Ondrasik and the familiar sounds from previous Fight for Fighting releases. Here is more about the CD:
Slice includes the following tracks:
1. Slice
2. Note To The Unknown Soldier
3. Tuesday
4. Chances
5. This Dance
6. Above The Timberline
7. Transfer
8. Hope
9. Story Of Your Life
10. Love Can’t Change The Weather
11. Augie Nieto
Five for Fighting has been making the rounds of television programs in recent weeks promoting Slice. In addition to this, they made a special appearance on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. On this episode they once again showed their commitment to the brave firefighters that are heroes of our everyday life. During the segment on the show they performed a special tribute by singing the song "Chances" to the family and crew building the house. Here is the video of the video for that song:
My Review:
One of the reasons I included the video of "Chances" is because it really connected when I heard it. The instrumentals combined with Ondrasik’s voice are beyond powerful in this song. There is a reason this song was selected on Extreme Makeover and no doubt it will be in other movies and television shows in the future thanks to the power behind it.
"Note to an Unknown Soldier" is a fabulous tribute to the soldiers who have given their lives to protect our country. Each and every lyric talks to the families of these heroes. You can begin to put a picture of these people in your mind. The song tells a story and reminds me of a modern day Piano Man by Billy Joel.
As I listened to Slice, it was easy to hear the growth of Five For Fighting over the last nine years. Each song tells it’s own story and is strong on its own. The lyrics are even more powerful on this album, they speak to different people and make connections to the masses. I know that I will be listening to this strong musical compilation for a long time to come.
You can pick up your own copy of Slice at Amazon.com or any other location that sells music. If you are on Facebook and a fan of Five for Fighting be sure to become a fan here. Now I just hope that they will tour closer to us. So far the tour dates listed are not local, but maybe you will be lucky enough to catch one of these shows.
20-Oct New York, NY City Winery
22-Oct Bay Shore, NY (Long Island) YMCA Boulton Center
23-Oct Uncasville, CT The Wolf Den
24-Oct Washington, DC Jammin Java
26-Oct Boston, MA The Paradise
27-Oct Philadelphia, PA World Café Live (downstairs)
29-Oct Nashville, TN The Belcourt
30-Oct Chicago, IL Lakeshore
3-Nov Salt Lake City, UT The State Room
5-Nov Seattle, WA Crocodile
6-Nov Portland, OR Aladdin Theater
10-Nov San Francisco, CA Swedish American Hall
11-Nov Los Angeles, CA Largo at the Coronet
To find out how to get tickets to An Acoustic Evening with Five for Fighting head over to their website.
Disclosure: I received a free digital copy of the CD to do this review with no other compensation. The opinions expressed in the review are my own.
Flash back to the fall of 2005. I was sitting in the computer lab one afternoon working on a project with some other teachers. There was a CD on and it really caught my attention. I asked what it was and was told it was Michael Bublé. As the mother of a then two year old, I was quite out of the adult music loop. All I knew was that the songs were wonderful, Bublé’s voice calming, and I was in love with everything about it. I talked about it so much that my husband bought me the It’s Time CD for my birthday. I would often sit there listening to it over and over as I wrote lesson plans. My favorite song was Home which brought chills down my spine.
Recently, I was asked by One2One Network to review a copy of Michael Bublé’s new CD Crazy Love. I immediately jumped at the opportunity. The CD arrived just before the release date October 9. I immediately opened the box and popped it into my laptop to listen to. Within seconds, I was transported. I was singing away to the music along with Michael Bublé. For a short time, I was able to escape from the reality and stresses of life.
Crazy Love includes the following tracks:
1. Cry Me A River
2. All Of Me
3. Georgia On My Mind
4. Crazy Love
5. Haven’t Met You Yet
6. All I Do Is Dream Of You
7. Hold On
8. Heartache Tonight
9. You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You
10. Baby (You’ve Got What It Takes)
11. At This Moment
12. Stardust
13. Whatever It Takes (bonus track)
My Review:
I truly believe that Michael Bublé could be the new Frank Sinatra. His sweet voice just soothes you as you listen to him belt out song after song. His style transforms classic covers from other artists into his own genuine versions. The CD begins with "Cry Me A River" where you could almost imagine the entire orchestra playing behind Michael Bublé. The instrumentals are powerful and Bublé’s voice keeps up with each and every beat. The classic "Georgia On My Mind" has a new twist thanks to Michael Bublé. As beautiful as the song was when sung by Ray Charles and countless others, it has a new presence thanks to Bublé and the subtle tempo changes.
Another favorite of mine is the title track "Crazy Love" which was originally performed by Van Morrison. This song immediately made me recall the movie She’s Having a Baby where the song was featured, along with General Hospital. Even my boys liked this song and came to dance along with it.
The first original single from this album released is "Haven’t Met You Yet" which really shows the artistry of Michael Bublé. Here is the video of this song for you to see. Sit back, relax and enjoy watching Bublé and his amazing talent.
I know that I will continue to enjoy Crazy Love and other music from Michael Bublé as he continues on his successful singing career. These classic songs will play while I work on writing, reading and knitting because they help me to stay focused and relaxed. Crazy Love is now available to purchase where all CDs are sold. Of course, if you are a fan and on Facebook head over to the Michael Bublé fan page.
Thank you again to One2One Network for providing me with the opportunity to review this fabulous new CD.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of the CD to do this review with no other compensation. The opinions expressed in the review are my own.
