Showing posts with label colin munroe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label colin munroe. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
4:3
Oh yeah.
I went there.
Everyone is flocking to widescreen like apes to a monolith, but I kept it square. Who needs clubbing pigs to death with their uncle's thighbones? I'll stick with squatting in the shade of a small desert boulder eating thistles any day. Yeah, that's right, I reject your motherfucking week along with goddamn 16:9 widescreen bull.
I'm keeping it S-Q-U-A-R-E.
Well... more squarish. Yeah, that's right. Technically rectangular. I feel all you haters. I can smell you.
But seriously...
Reception has been good so far for Piano Lessons. Here's to a great 2009.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Sunday Bleeding Sunday
The criticism for Sunday Bloody Sunday is in:
4/6th of responses: "I hate what you've done with U2's masterpiece."
1/6th of responses: "I like the song, it's interesting."
1/6th of responses: "I like the video."
More people hate the reinterpretation than like it. Why? The web commenting habits of the U2 Canon Secret Police aside, for many the song's meaning is tied too closely to U2's particular delivery, not the broad structures that Colin borrowed. "Not the sort of song to be sung like this," says stugavin on Youtube. Colin didn't make people *feel* the same way U2 did, adding whimsy and irony in the place of tragedy.
A classic ironic song is There's No Business Like Show Business.
starting at 1:44
Everything about these lines is tragic, but the delivery is glorious.
Similarly, Colin's World of Pain talks about how life is a balance between good and bad things, but the song bounces along on its big ol' piano chords.
And,
In the above and Sunday Bloody Sunday, the tune is upbeat, but the lyrics are a bit deeper.
The criticism of Colin's Sunday Bloody Sunday is legitimate. When a powerfully angry anthem turns into a whimsical banjo-driven ditty it's a big left turn. It's indirect, subtle, sly, and people hate being fooled when it comes to their passions. Listen closer, though, and that's not what is happening.
Colin's music is upbeat because he is happy, despite the unfortunate things he sees. So, where U2 adds the righeous anger, Colin Munroe adds the silver lining. It must be like going to a sequel expecting a bunch of huge explosions and thrilling action sequences and instead getting a wonderfully crafted romantic comedy. No matter how good the romantic comedy is, there are going to be a bunch of people who will stand up and walk out, saying, "you ruined the franchise!" It takes a willingness to go that distance to really begin to appreciate how changing a song can add to the meaning inherent in it.
Personally, I hope Colin continues to go further off the beaten track, ignoring the criticisms that plague this particular release. If they don't get it, they're not the right audience.
4/6th of responses: "I hate what you've done with U2's masterpiece."
1/6th of responses: "I like the song, it's interesting."
1/6th of responses: "I like the video."
More people hate the reinterpretation than like it. Why? The web commenting habits of the U2 Canon Secret Police aside, for many the song's meaning is tied too closely to U2's particular delivery, not the broad structures that Colin borrowed. "Not the sort of song to be sung like this," says stugavin on Youtube. Colin didn't make people *feel* the same way U2 did, adding whimsy and irony in the place of tragedy.
Whimsy
noun
playfully quaint
Irony
noun
the expression of one's meaning by language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humor or effect.
A classic ironic song is There's No Business Like Show Business.
starting at 1:44
'You get word before the show has started,
that your favorite uncle died at dawn.
On top of that your paramour has parted,
you're broken hearted but you go on!
There's no people like show people,
they smile when they are low.
Even with a turkey you know will fold,
you may be stranded out in the cold,
still you wouldn't change it for a sack of gold.
Let's go on with the show!'
Everything about these lines is tragic, but the delivery is glorious.
Similarly, Colin's World of Pain talks about how life is a balance between good and bad things, but the song bounces along on its big ol' piano chords.
And,
In the above and Sunday Bloody Sunday, the tune is upbeat, but the lyrics are a bit deeper.
The criticism of Colin's Sunday Bloody Sunday is legitimate. When a powerfully angry anthem turns into a whimsical banjo-driven ditty it's a big left turn. It's indirect, subtle, sly, and people hate being fooled when it comes to their passions. Listen closer, though, and that's not what is happening.
Colin's music is upbeat because he is happy, despite the unfortunate things he sees. So, where U2 adds the righeous anger, Colin Munroe adds the silver lining. It must be like going to a sequel expecting a bunch of huge explosions and thrilling action sequences and instead getting a wonderfully crafted romantic comedy. No matter how good the romantic comedy is, there are going to be a bunch of people who will stand up and walk out, saying, "you ruined the franchise!" It takes a willingness to go that distance to really begin to appreciate how changing a song can add to the meaning inherent in it.
Personally, I hope Colin continues to go further off the beaten track, ignoring the criticisms that plague this particular release. If they don't get it, they're not the right audience.
Friday, August 15, 2008
"If you stop watching television..."
My new video is online and has a whopping 60,000 total hits so far. It's also going to be airing on The Wedge on MuchMusic here in Canada.
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