Tag: youtube
The Timeless and Relentless Boléro by Ravel
On this blog, we have been exploring iconic pieces of music that have inspired numerous cover versions and cross-genre reinterpretations. Maurice Ravel’s Boléro stands out as a particularly rich and fascinating work—one that continues to captivate musicians, dancers, and fans. What so special about it ? It is 15 minutes, two melodies, one crescendo—Ravel’s boldest…
Random Moment 29 – Ghosts Again
These five songs share a notable feature, namely haunted elegance which manifests through these stylistic elements: a melancholic and reflective tone, a quiet steady beat, and a dream-like production paired with detached vocal delivery. “Ghosts Again” from Depeche Mode’s latest album (Memento Mori, 2023), is a classic: sleek and sad; and it is stuck in…
The Grand Ring (大屋根リング) at Expo 2025 (関西万博), Osaka
We went to see Expo 2025 (関西万博) in Osaka, Japan in April 2025, about a week after its opening to the public. This is our first post about this event. Enjoy a tune while browsing. Our first glimpse of Expo 2025 was the Grand Ring (大屋根リング). We saw the Grand Ring from Osaka Bay when…
Ryuichi Sakamoto’s playlist for his favorite restaurant
Ryuichi Sakamoto died on March 28, 2023 after enduring throat cancer and then colon cancer. This is our second anniversary post on his artistry. I(Chris) has been a longtime fan of his music and wrote a tribute post about his passing. Last year, we posted on his personal playlist for his own funeral here. This…
Random Moment #28 – Jazz journeys East
As we are about to travel to East this month, these four pieces reflects an influence by Japan, blending jazz with other genres. Dave Brubeck’s “Fujiyama” blends cool jazz with elements of Japanese classical music. “Ashitaka Sekki” written for a Hayao Miyazaki-anime, is a tango, infusing jazz with Argentinian dance elements. “Pink Cherry Trees” incorporates…
Lovely Day by Bill Withers – 7 covers + original
Chris heard “Lovely Day” the first time while living in the UK where it reached number 7 on the British singles chart. It is one of our all-time favorites. This song by American soul and R&B singer Bill Withers, written by Withers and Skip Scarborough, was released on December 21, 1977. There are quite a few covers out there. We have…