Monthly Archives: November 2008

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Song of the Day #111: ‘It’s Not Easy Being Green’ – Kermit the Frog

kermitSometimes what the world really needs is the wisdom of a muppet. Today’s song, performed by a frog with a hand up his ass, is one of simplest yet most profound “message” songs I know.

What better way to open children’s eyes to the beauty of diversity (and, on the flip side, the ugliness of prejudice) than through a sweet ballad like this? I’ve always been amazed by Jim Henson’s ability to not only stay in the voice of Kermit and the other muppets but to emote so effectively at the same time. He is missed.

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Song of the Day #110: ‘Warwick Avenue’ – Duffy

duffyI’m really not sure what to make of Duffy.

I bought her debut album, Rockferry, earlier this year and I’m very impressed by it. It’s a cross between Norah Jones and Amy Winehouse, borrowing the best bits from each. She’s not boring like Jones, but she’s not a gutter junkie like Winehouse… she’s just an English lass with a great soulful voice who writes songs that put a modern twist on 60s classics. She seemed to be the real deal.

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Song of the Day #109: ‘Everyday I Write the Book’ – Alison Brown

alisonbrownRecently there was a comment thread on this blog about the merits of country music. The question came up of whether the “country’ is in the song or the treatment of the song.

In other words, can you take a pop or rock song and turn it into a country song just by using different instruments? Or is there some fundamental quality in the construction of a country song that transcends its musical treatment?

I lean toward the former explanation. I think country music as it is commonly understood has everything to do with instruments, production and vocals. Add a slide guitar and a southern twang to just about anything and you have a country song.

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Rachel Getting Married

rachelI have an excellent track record with movies I’ve watched outside of Florida. On business trips the past two years I’ve seen the excellent trio of Once, I’m Not There and Pan’s Labyrinth. And while in Chicago for a wedding in 2006, Alex and I caught a late screening of The Devil Wears Prada, a wonderful surprise.

Well, the trend continues. On a trip last week to Washington D.C. for another friend’s wedding, Alex and I caught Jonathan Demme’s latest film, Rachel Getting Married, and it’s among the best films I’ve seen this year.

(Warning: Minor spoilers follow)

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