The Manic Mechanic

I started one of my first "personal" posts in a long time which touched upon, among other things, my situations at work, my seemingly continual declining physical condition, the number of projects I am currently working on and have in the planning stages. Once I looked at the increasing blocks of bleak text, I did a select all - backspace and sent the missives into oblivion. Actually, this has occurred a few times already, with the same result. The difference this time, however, is that I decided to continue with the post, using the time and space provided to give something to my dear readers to cheer them up and get them moving rather than seeking pity, making them scroll past or adding me to yet another filter list.

Here's the newest single from Goldfrapp's new album Head First. Crank it up and dance as if no one is watching. And if they are, put on a show they'll not forget anytime soon.

Goldfrapp
"Rocket"

Maybe I will get past my mental blocks and say what I really have on my mind.

Howbout some churchy music from your favorite atheist? :-)

The music track below is an a capella piece performed by Jan Garbarek & The Hilliard Ensemble, from the album Officium, entitled "Parce Mihi Domine". The piece was written by Christóbal de Morales, (1500-1553, Spain), the title translating closely to "Spare me, O Lord". A Gregorian chant style piece, I find it one of the most serene pieces of music I have listened to. Four voices, the language of Latin, a cathedral with the most amazing acoustics, and nothing else. No instruments (though the rest of Officium has the Ensemble paired with Garabek and his saxophone(!)), no Auto-Tune, Melodyne, hot mastering, loudness war or other gimmick trashing so much music being manufactured these days.

Jan Garbarek & The Hilliard Ensemble
"Parce Mihi Domine"

( lyrics and translation )

I know, not the usual heavy metal thrash or progressive escapade you are used to hearing me talk about. But give this a listen, preferably with headphones, when you can close your eyes and hear the individual voices acting as one instrument. It's good for what might be stressing you out. I should know, I have been under a ton of stress lately, and I searched my library for this track for it's calming influence.

Oh, and don't worry. I'm not going all Jeebus-y on yas either. ;)

More proof that the nature of the music business has changed forever.

Bruce Springsteen (and the E Street Band) will soon have a new album (CD? LP? Record? Fileset? Download? What are these things called these days?) entitled Magic in release on Oct. 1. However, being that radio (what's left of it, anyway) no longer does much of a job of airing new music by 'established artists' (code words for Music Not Generally Appealing To The Coveted 18-34 Age Demographic), the new single debuts not on the ol' FM, but as a free download on iTunes, and, curiously, on the UK newspaper Guardian Unlimited's website. The new single, appropriately titled "Radio Nowhere" can be downloaded here, apparently for some limited time. Go and get your Bruce on.

If you're into his music, that is.