Sacred Harp Music

We discovered this sound when we watched Antony Mingella's wonderful film of Cold Mountain (in there with Top Films - fantastic performances by all of the cast and a great soundtrack.)

I knew nothing about Sacred Harp music and the wonderful harmonies from the Baptist tradition but this version of  'I'm Coming Home' shows exactly how it works.  The singers sing the sounds of the song first then when everyone knows the 'tune' the words are added.  This is the choir who sang for the soundtrack of the film rehearsing.  You can see more on the DVD extras if you have the film.  Get it if you don't.  It is a most unusual sound. 

You need to have the film to see the family in church singing this song - towards the start of the film.

Should also mention that the other songs on the soundtrack are also wonderful, many of them written by Jack White, from the White Stripes, who also appears in the film.

My Desert Island Discs

Went for a walk in the sun to think this through.  Remember that this is as of today and that they might be different at another time!

Dancing in the Moonlight - Toploader

Kooks - David Bowie

Love and Affection - Joan Armatrading

Hey there Delilah - Plain White Tees

Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol

Misere - Alegri

Adagio - Barber

(and the choral version)

Sail Away - David Gray

Desert Island Discs

It's been going forever.  Started by Roy Plomley in 1942 we have recently had the celebrations of 70 years of broadcasting interviews with all kinds of people from all kinds of backgrounds.  This has become a national instituition.  It is part of our language.

They have now got a website where you can hear the shows from the very beginning.  Look here to find someone interesting to listen to:

Desert Island Discs

One of my recent favourites was with the children's author and screenplay writer, Frank Cottrell Boyce.  You can hear that broadcast here.

Who is your favourite?  Who was your favourite presenter?  And as for the best question of all, what would your Desert Island Discs be?  What would your Desert Island Books be? That'll be a forthcoming post then....

The Spaghetti Western Orchestra

Five guys from Melbourne who are fans of the music from spaghetti westerns and who use strange and unusual instruments to recreate with audience participation and lots of laughing and fun.

The Spaghetti Western Orchestra

Listen to them at the BBC Proms 2011

 

Today I have been listening to...

A classic:

Today I have been listening to...

There has just been a programme about Dexy's Midnight Runners on Radio 4 so I have just been listening to Come on Eileen.  Takes you back and still just as danceable.

Today I have been listening to.....

Officium

Jan Garbarek and The Hilliard Ensemble

This is so totally peaceful.  It soars and raises your soul while claming your heart.  Recommended.



Parce Mihi Domine

(Spare me! Oh Lord.)



Musical Memories

I bet you will remember all of these.  Click on the names of the programmes below each picture for a musical reminder.

Captain Pugwash

Mr Benn

 

Bagpuss

 

If these have wetted your appetite then this will take you to all kinds of jolly places. 

It is called Little Gems at TheChesnut.com

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

Ever since we first heard them playing 'Leaning on a Lampost' in the Russian style on 'Loose Ends' we have been fans of The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain.  They are responsible for a great deal of smiling and laughing in our house as we listen to CDs and introduce them to friends and relatives who visit us.

I challenge you to watch this clip and not smile:

Lots more people will know them now following their appearance at the Proms when 1000 people brought their ukuleles and everyone played together:

Joyous.

This link takes you to their website where you can have a look around at dates for their future concerts, (Just Go.... you won't be disappointed), podcasts of other songs, their CDs and DVDs and even lessons in how to play your own ukulele:

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain