Weekly Song Challenge

 

Last week was tough to be honest especially with the red haired kid Ed. Jingle, Jangle, Jungle Has created a fun weekly challenge all about music. You pick a song that fits each theme which I always try to choose a song that pops into my head right away. Here are the 3 themes:

A SONG WITH "ROOM" OR A TYPE OF ROOM IN THE TITLE

A SONG THAT MENTIONS A TYPE OF GEM IN THE TITLE

A SONG WITH A HARMONY

1. IN THE HALL OF THE MOUNTAIN KING BY EDVARD GRIEG-1875

This piece was composed as instrumental music for Henry Ibson's play Peer Gynt. I heard this piece was I was, maybe, 6 years old and loved it from that moment so, of course, this is what popped into my little head because it has a Hall which, to me, is a room.

2. DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND SUNG BY MARILYN MONROE- FOR 1953 FILM

This song actually comes from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes with the original musical done on Broadway in 1949. The song was by Jules Styne (music) and Leo Robin(Lyrics) and sung by the famous Carol Channing who created the role of Lorelei Lee but most people now remember this famous song sung by Monroe. It is an iconic tune that has been redone many times as well as the costumes and choreography  like Madonna's "Material Girl."

3. GET HAPPY/HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN SUNG BY GARLAND & STREISAND-1963

A few years back, PBS decided to run the entire season (there was only one) of "The Judy Garland Show". I was so happy to finally see all the episodes which showcased Judy at her best, indifferent and most heartbreaking. She gave a stirring rendition of  "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" as a tribute to JFK who was assassinated a few days before. The Network and everyone around her pleaded for her not to do it but she wouldn't budge since she knew JFK and thought of him as a friend. The Get Happy number was written by Harold Arlen(music) and Ted Koehler(lyrics) in 1930 and made famous(again) by Garland in her 1950 film, "Summer Stock." "Happy Days Are Here Again" was written in 1929 by Milton Ager(music) and Jack Yellen(lyrics) and has been used for FDR's election campaign. Streisand made her version famous and this duet is one of the best harmonies of 2 powerhouse vocals. 

So...what music popped into your head?

Thursday Movie Picks-Cyberpunk

 

I had to look this up because I had no idea what the hell this meant and was prepared that I had not seen any movies, but I was wrong! It's basically future Sci-Fi with a pessimistic bent to it. I do prefer more optimistic sci-fi flicks like Star Trek because, if aliens have visited us, they would have already obliterated us if they thought we were a-holes. I also believe in the human race(some idiots aside) and don't think we will do ourselves in...I have faith. Wandering Through The Shelves picked an interesting theme this week. Let's see which 3 I have chosen....

1. BLADE RUNNER-1982

This is an excellent film directed by Ridley Scott that, initially bombed at the box office but gained cult following as the years passed. I remember watching this when it first came out and thought it was excellent and had even more respect for Harrison Ford as an actor since I had a crush on him. He plays a bounty hunter after Replicants who were slaves to humans before wanting to lead their own lives(how dare they!) It's rainy, miserable, dark and dreary but the Noirish look to the film elevates it past the depressing aspects. I also love Rutger Hauer as the leader of the Replicants and who gave quite the performance in this film. The ending is controversial but I like it...so there. 

2. BRAZIL-1985

I saw this in the theatre as well and loved it! I love Terry Gilliam (Monty Python fame) and will watch anything he creates because, I think, he is brilliant. This is a very dark (underline Dark) comedy about a low level paper pusher who dreams of  being like the Arch Angel Michael who is free, flying and saves the love of his life. We know he is anything but, as he does his job and visits his mom who is hooked on plastic surgery(talk about seeing into the future with all the botox, surgery, lifts etc... being done today) and talks to his friend, played by Michael Palin(also Monty Python fame). Before you know it, he becomes involved with the terrorists one who looks remarkably like the girl in his dreams. The poor schmuck is now being chased himself by the central intelligence and realizes that the terrorists are more of a resistance movement with Robert De Niro as one of the leaders. I have not seen this film in ages but I watched it once with my dad who said it was the stupidest thing he ever saw (well, he was more colourful but without the F-bombs). It is not for everyone but I think this is brilliant.

3. DARK CITY-1998

I bet most people have not seen this film which is a shame because it is quite intelligent and must be viewed more than once since there is so much imagery here. We have a man who wakes up in a room, can't remember who he is when a doctor comes in and tells him to run as the "Strangers" are after him. He finds out he is wanted for murder but the more he tries to figure things out the weirder it gets to the point where he can manipulate reality just like "The Strangers". He finds out he has a wife and lives on the beachside area near this depressing, raining city. It seems no one truly knows they are being manipulated nor do they seem to be bothered by the fact that it is always dark. He also has a cop on his trail and you wonder if the amnesiac will ever find out what is truly going on. An excellent movie even if it is, sorry, dark but with an ending that quite surprised me. Roger Ebert, the famed film critic, thought it one of the best films he ever saw and was dumbfounded when it didn't get any awards that year.

So...can you think of any movies that fit this theme?

Weekly Song Challenge

 

This week's themes were a bit tougher because I wanted to use songs that the musician did not sing but created a song that became famous by someone else singing. I will be curious to see what the others will come up with including the host, Jingle, Jangle, Jungle. Here are the 3 themes:

A SONG WRITTEN BY BARRY GIBB

A SONG WRITTEN BY PRINCE

A SONG WRITTEN BY ED SHEERAN

1. GREASE IS THE WORD-1978 SUNG BY FRANKIE VALLI

I do love the soundtrack to this movie even though I hate the ending..she gives up who she is as a person and becomes a slut for the horned toed Ravolta. I know the politically correct are all up in arms over some songs because the guys talk about if Ravolta got any but, seriously, teen boys think sleep, sex, food, sex and sex. I am not saying it is right to promote but ...please. How many RAP songs are out there where they use that horrible N word(invented by the whites to demean the African American), talk about T & A  plus much more which is just as distasteful. Anyhoo, I love this song and I didn't know Barry Gibb wrote this.

2. NOTHING COMPARES 2 U-1990-SUNG BY SINEAD O'CONNOR

OK, yes, she notoriously ripped the pope's picture in half and was vilified for it, even today. She has suffered from mental illness and has done some very strange things but she hurts and it comes out in her singing. She has a beautiful voice and I only found out recently, that it was written by purple boy, Prince. I think there is no one better to sing this than Sinead....hmmm, you BOTB gals and guys out there, there is a battle to try. 

3. DARK TIMES-2015 SUNG BY THE WEEKND

This was a total loss for me and I had to go on a search. I refuse to show Justin Bieberhead (my hubby's nickname for tattoo boy) or One Erection (nyuck, nyuck) but I found this song which isn't too bad. You know me with these pop song things. but this man is talented, he is Canadian and was just famously snubbed by the Grammys despite having a stellar year last year in music. I found this pretty good but, please, why Weeknd? Spell it, at least, correctly, dear Abel,..it is Weekend. Yup showing my age.

Now, what can you think up?

Thursday Movie Picks: Period Dramas

 

Who doesn't love a good drama, as long as it is not dull as dirt. I always had a wish to play dress up and what better way than in some of these beautiful outfits the actresses got to wear, mind you, knowing my luck, I would be dressed as a washer woman. This week, it is all about Period Dramas over at Wandering Through The Shelves and there are a ton of period dramas so, without further adieu, here are my 3...

1. CAMILLE-1936

A period drama would not be right without a Greta Garbo film. She was one of the most famous film stars ever and simply known as Garbo. She started in silent films and was one of the last stars to transition to sound since she had a Swedish accent but she did well. This is considered one of her most famous roles as Camille, The doomed courtesan (aka high class hooker), who loves fine jewels and a good time until she meets the equally beautiful Armand, played by Robert Taylor. She, at first, toys with him but she succumbs to his ardent love and feels stronger being with him until his daddy comes a knockin' at the door unhappy with this arrangement. It is wonderfully acted, with some beautiful costumes and a great love story.  

2. THAT HAMILTON WOMAN-1941

This film is also known as "Lady Hamilton" which stars Vivien Leigh and Lawrence Olivier who married when they were making this film. This film is done in flashback from the old eyes of Lady Hamilton, who talks about her famous and doomed love affair with Lord Horatio Nelson, the greatest Naval Hero from Great Britain. We see how they meet, fall in love and are separated by death. This is based on a true story about the famous love affair between Nelson and Lady Hamilton. As he continues to be glorified, she has faded into obscurity. She was loved by more than one man like George Romney, a famous artist. 

3. GREAT EXPECTATIONS-1946

I have to see this wonderful film again based on the book of the same name by Charles Dickens. A young boy helps an escaped convict before he is captured again as well as falling for Estella who lives in this decaying mansion with the decaying Miss. Havisham. Miss. Havisham is the doomed old lady who lives in her wedding dress, jilted many years before at the altar, who teaches Estella to trust no man. As Pip grows up, he has a mysterious benefactor who helps Pip become a Gentleman getting all the best teachings. It is so well written and acted that only the English can do when it comes to a Dickens novel. I always wondered how smelly Miss Havisham must have been because...really! She must have been one truly crusty old broad and that is meant literally. 

Which 3 would you choose?

Weekly Song Challenge

 

This is another week and I think it is week 19 for the song challenge. Jingle, Jangle, Jungle has created a fun weekly challenge where you choose a song that fits the theme. I went off my "first thought of a song" this week because I wanted something Canadian and something with my birthday month(June). Here are the 3 themes:

A SONG WITHA COUNTRY IN THE TITLE

A SONG THAT MENTIONS A TYPE OF WEATHER IN THE TITLE

A SONG WITH A MONTH IN THE TITLE

1. THIS IS A SONG THAT WILL ONLY MAKE SENSE TO CANADIANS BY JON BRETT-2020

I wanted to choose something a bit quirky but fun without a lot of grandiosing, not sure if that is a word but, ask if I care. I never realized that you never say Pop and only say soda..weird. I found it especially weird when I ordered fish and chips and got...potato chips..WTF?? That is a snack you eat when watching a movie or a game. Anyway, just so you know, you pronounce Z as Zed not Zee...you guys are weird :)

2. STORMY WEATHER-1933-SUNG BY JUDY GARLAND

When I bought this album and heard Judy sing this song, I was floored. It's as if you hear her pain and anguish when singing this. I found it breathtaking. I know Lena Horne sang it in the 1943 film of the same name but this is the one that makes me think this 1933 song by Harold Arlen & Ted Koehler belongs to Judy. I know there are many versions but love this one.

3. JUNE IN JANUARY-1934-SUNG BY BING CROSBY

I got 2...2 months in one! I will be 57 in June..wow!! I still feel like I am 30 except for the aches and pains..hahahaa. I came across this ditty which was written by Ralph Rainger and Leo Robin for the 1934 film, Here Is My Heart. I think it's a nice song actually. 

I am still bruised up inside from last week but I am glad to have that operation and it only take me longer to heal because of my Ehlers-Danlos. I am on the road to improvement which is the best thing. Now I have to leave you with this... I hope you watch this.

I AM CANADIAN COMMERCIAL!

Thursday Movie Picks: Best Director

 

I am writing this with my eyes half open but I want to get this done and ready for tomorrow. There are so many great films out there it was hard to choose. Wandering Through The Shelves is a great blog where anyone can join in and find 3 films that fit the theme. This week it is about the Best Director and no Alfred Hitchcock in sight this week since he never won an Oscar. Here are my 3...

1. ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT-1930-DIRECTOR: LEWIS MILESTONE

I saw this film when I was in my 20s and was taken by the reality of this film. It is based on the famous book, of the same name, by Erich Maria Remarque from the German's viewpoint but it could be any soldier's view to be honest. We see a group of idealistic German students who decide to volunteer for war. As the years pass, we see the youthfulness fade as death and destruction take hold in their eyes. The lead is played by Lew Ayes who became a pacifist because of this film and was labelled a coward when he refused to bear arms in WW2. He did work for the ambulance corp finding himself in very many tough situations but his heroism has gone unnoticed. When we see documentaries about WW1, they often show clips from this film because of its realism. This was Lewis Milestone's baby who created a masterpiece in story telling even though it is in the early days of sound.

2. CASABLANCA-1943-DIRECTOR: MICHAEL CURTIZ

Well, we all know this film even if we have not seen it because it is justifiably famous. There are so many characters in this film that are given airtime, even though it stars Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, that you are left bummed when the film ends. This whole film is held together by Michael Curtiz, a Hungarian who never quite mastered the English language and could be brutish to work for. This film is about a man(Bogie) who owns a club filled with dissidents, political and otherwise, fleeing the Nazis and stuck at Casablanca because they have no exit visas. Enter Ilse (Bergman) and her husband, Victor(played by Paul Henreid) who are escaping the Nazis because he is wanted by them. He has no clue that his wife and Rick were lovers in Paris before The Nazis stormed in. Their main goal is to get the Letters of Transit that Rick has and everybody wants. This is one of the best films ever made and does not age despite it taking place during WW2. Curtiz kept everything together when no one knew what was truly happening since the writers were writing and re-writing the screenplay during the shoot. 

3. THE QUIET MAN-1952-DIRECTOR-JOHN FORD

I love, I repeat, I love this scene where John Wayne's character, Sean Thornton, has had enough of Maureen O'Hara's, Mary-Kate, high minded attitude about her husband, and not getting her dowry which her brother, Will Danaher (Victor McLaglen) has. They think Sean is a coward for not fighting for her not realizing Sean's past as a boxer. This is funny, rip-roaring and great fun with one of the best fights right after this scene. I have to admit, I love it when a man knows how to treat a lady when she deserves a kick in the ass. I am certain this is another movie that many today would squawk at because of this scene not taking in the whole picture and what it means. John Ford is considered one of the best directors ever and has won more than one Oscar. This film was one of his favourites because he loved his native Ireland, grouped his stars that he worked with many times and considered friends. Maureen O'Hara was one of the very few women who would meet with them off screen on their boats since they all loved boating. I think this is a must see film. 

OK, I am hoping to relax now

Weekly Song Challenge

 

Tuesday I had to go for a procedure (polyp in my uterus that needed to be taken out) which knocked me out and I didn’t write this until Tuesday night on my IPad (which is not use friendly) so I know I am late this week. I should be fine but I am knocked for a loop and very, very tired (Wednesday now and getting this published). Jingle, Jangle, Jungle created this weekly theme where you match a song to the theme she chose and here are the 3 themes:

SONG WITH “MOTHER” IN THE TITLE

SONG WITH “SISTER” IN THE TITLE

SONG WITH “WOMAN/WOMEN” IN THE TITLE

1. DOES YOUR MOTHER KNOW-ABBA-1979

I love ABBA and this is a great song from their groovy Voulez-Vouz album.  How I wanted to see them on their Voulez-Vouz tour but my mom wouldn't allow me to go. She said drugs may be there. I just looked at her in disbelief and told her, " Mom.. it's ABBA." I thought they were fine since they were not The Who but, nope, I couldn't see them. 

2. LITTLE SISTER SUNG BY ELVIS-1961

My brother was the first one to play this song to me which opened my eyes that Elvis could do more than "Jailhouse Rock" and "Girls, Girls, Girls". This song I found different from the typical Elvis songs we know and I really like it. It was written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shoman which I looked up. An excellent ditty.

3. WOMAN- JOHN LENNON-1980

This song is from the Double Fantasy album which came out just after his untimely death of which I remember so well. I was at home when the news came on and I, plus the rest of the world, was in shock. I bought his album, listened to it many times, and still have it. I thought this was a beautiful tribute to women since he wrote it for his wife Yoko. I had no idea,at the time, what a jerk he was but, for me, it doesn't diminish the song or the album.

So which songs come to your mind?