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Well not the wrong genre, just not one that particularly needs saving. "Saviours of Rock" is a phrase that (however sarcastically) appears on the Matches's myspace. They're not far wrong. Anyone who knows me knows I adore Decomposer. I think it's a masterpiece. I think it's a work of art. I think it would be very difficult for any band to follow up such a great album. Not that I gave the Matches any sort of concession when I curled up on the floor to listen to A Band In Hope on the big stereo. I was nervous about listening to the album and the title didn't inspire confidence. Seems quite cheesy compared to Decomposer or E. Von Dahl Killed the Locals. But that's not my place to criticise. I'm not a publicist, I'm a musician. I won't go into gritty details, but it didn't grab me as Decomposer did. Of course, the context of my listening has changed quite. When I bought Decomposer I was deep in the ska/pop punk sort of stage with "emo" thrown at me a bit. Since then I have matured into many many types of wondrous music, while sifting through those olde bandes and choosing the best. But The Matches have moved on, and left me behind. The guitar was much heavier in a Band In Hope, which left an immediate not-me impression with me. (NB: since they are so close to my heart I'm not going to be able to do an objective review. apologies) The guitar melodies were good, but none of the incredibly catchy stuff that got me hooked on Decomposer. There are three out of 15 tracks that I really didn't like, and about 3 that were outstanding from the rest. My favourite was the final track Proctor Rd. but it only goes for one minute, which was disappointing. Overall, it had a lot of rock operatic moments, a few metallic and few classical...the "punky" (it's all I can think to describe it but I'm not sure if it's accurate..) moments left me bored. A couple of softer songs made for a bit of a difference, but they did get a little repetitive with no backing. The harmonic minor scale made a few notable appearances, which is ok, but not really me. It was less emotive (and I don't mean emo, I mean less feeling) the lyrics were cliched at points which was a big surprise! They did experiment, but again it was within the rock genre, which ain't my cuppa tea. I liked them as little maggots. Of course, if they'd produced Decomposer the 2nd, I'd be very disappointed. They're fighting the good fight those Matches, and I hope they win. But yeah, they've lost me a bit in this album. chee-yars, Ingrid.
SO. Through a better harpist dropping out, I've scored a part in the orchestra for Lyric Theatre's production of "The Producers". Naturally, I'm scared to death! I played my first time ever with an orchestra last night, and it was the most intense time I've ever spent behind a harp, excluding perhaps those 2 hour sessions of playing the same song over to get it bloody right. I woke up almost feverish at 2AM seeing lines of music (for some reason the notes A and D) running in front of my eyes. But I'm determined. I'm going to do a GOOD JOB in this show. The music itself is not fantastically hard. It's the counting that gets me. (can I get a hell yeah??) I'm constantly encouraged to play things slow and then speed them up. And after maybe 4 months of learning a piece it's very easy for me to do this; I even speed things up too much. BUT I HAVE THREE WEEKS. I'm playing everything at a set speed on my metronome until I know the music. Then I'll whack on my newly bought soundtrack of the Producers and try to play along. I wish I could tell my friends in advance how, if not irritable and frustrated, spacey this is going to make me. I often wander around school in my own little world, and if my world's been taken over by the Producers it will consume me temporarily. (I love that word consume). I also have to work. School is no biggie really, but my social life will be nothing until March. So before I plunge into the world of professional musical theatre, I give you one last testimony to my new musical loves.
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That's good news! How big is the orchestra?
Maybe you can help with this, My little 6 year old niece right before Christmas got it into her head that she would like to learn to play the Harp. My sister has absolutely no idea where this interest came from and can barely imagine where she's even seen a harp being played. Never-the-less my sister is now having dreams of her daughter being a prodigy as a harpist with hopes she'll be playing Lincoln Center by the age of 15. I think my niece saw it on Spongebob Squarepants and if she gets one she'll have clothes hanging on it by the age of 10, but you never know!
Is there such a thing as a starter harp or what would you suggest be the best introduction for 6 year old?
Also, I would love to hear something you've recorded. Have you recorded yourself playing? I'm sure it would be much appreciated by many folks hear on the Mog.
ahh my recording endeavours....I have all the equipment, I just never ever get around to actually carrying it out! But I've been planning to record some of my favourite pieces for a while, setting up a myspace (oh yes I'm down with the pop culture!), thanks for the added incentive! The orchestra is smallish, but definitely has a big sound. probably about three of everything, a percussionist, horn player, piccolo player and pianist. plus an extra drummer! Your other question is a tough one.. you can get little harps but they're still rather expensive. If she's really really determined, from my experience you can get little travel harps from around $300. But I wouldn't go investing in a concert harp yet, it's taken 10 years for me to get convinced!!
Thanks for the advice, I'll let you know how things go.
Good luck with the show and let us know about the Myspace page when you get a chance to set it up. Take care!
It's the best kind. CAMILLE! camille camille camille. Camille. Le Fil. La jeune fille aux cheveux blancs.
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Perhaps, is it because I understand the lyrics but I've never succeeding in liking Camille?
Procrastinating is something which speaks more to me...
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hmm or maybe your taste has moved on from the ska/pop genre, creating a fork in the road between you and The Matches?
ah tis quite possible. Decomposer is only one of two, maybe three albums that I still listen to from my punky days. Certainly not first choice of music for me nowadays! I'm a sentimentalist :)
hehe, i hear you. i still can't get rid of my Mr. T Experience cd.