me: Man
Back in like 1998
I picked up this version of Carmina Burana on CD for $1.99
and I listened the hell out of that CD
And now when I hear a version, it never sounds right to me
Aislinn: what a bargain
me: I’ve bought 4 different versions since then
And still can’t find one that’s “right.”
Aislinn: weird
me: I know
Either the tempo is off
Or the tenor can’t sing right
Or, even worse, the soprano sucks
Aislinn: i’m sorry
me: LOL
It’s OK
I still enjoy it
It’s just a little nag, you know?
Like watching your favorite movie, but one of the actors was different
Aislinn: yeah, i get it

All the above said, the version I just picked up on iTunes by the London Symphony Orchestra is pretty damn amazing.

Post meme from Dan Carlson.

First up is Joss Stone’s Introducing…, which I just don’t want to turn off. The CD’s been in the truck all week, I listen to it in the mornings, and I find myself typing “Joss” into the iTunes search box on my MacBook regularly.

I’ve never been a fan of this genre of music before (iTunes calls it R&B, whatever that is*) but Stone has a way of sucking you in and making you feel at home. Her voice is amazing, in a “Have I died and gone to heaven” sort of way.

Color me fuschia, the redhead (!) can belt out a tune.

Next up is Neon Bible, by them sophomores Arcade Fire. I missed their first album (something I hope to remedy shortly) and have been jamming out to Bible quite regularly (whenever I take a break from Joss, that is).

I don’t know how to describe the tunes: sometimes powerful, sometimes subtle, but always with what I can only describe as dedication. They have a sound, and they own it throughout, and that’s something I admire.

Finally, I picked up downloaded from iTunes We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank yesterday. Modest Mouse is one of those bands that grew one me, in that I wasn’t an immediate fan the first time I heard them. It was several months later that I listened to The Moon and Antarctica and finally found an appreciation for MM.

Haven’t looked back since. Great songs on their latest, and plenty of them to keep you going. This here will be good hiking music, if I can ever get an afternoon off.

Anyhoo, we now return to your regular programming.

*Yes, I do know what R&B is.

Last night we cruised to the Buckhorn to see Evangeline Crittenden play a set for open-mic night. Evangeline is Stina’s friend from California (Stina being the Daily Press photographer). She plays a mellow guitar and has an incredible voice. I left the joint under the impression that she’s a strong songwriter as well.

She’ll be playing tonight at the Twisted Vine (potluck, bring your own food) and then she’s headed back to California on Wednesday. So, go check her out while you have the chance.

Bonus: evening shot of the Buckhorn.

Fiesta de la Luna Music Festival begins tonight at 5 p.m.

Grassy Rootz Productions and Wildwood Hot Springs present the 2nd annual Fiesta de la Luna Music Festival this weekend at Wildwood Hot Springs in Gila Hot Springs, NM. The will be held rain or shine at the beautiful Wildwood retreat center, on Highway 15 near the Gila Cilff Dwellings national park. Tickets are $18 for music and $10 for camping. Purchase on-line all festival information at Root Skankadelic.com or in person at Tune Town or Gila Hike and Bike in historic downtown Silver City.

Music starts Friday at 5 pm with an all-comers open mic followed by an all-night DJ session hosted by Curbside Poets, presented by Gila Hike and Bike. Saturday music starts at 12 noon and will go until 11 pm on the main stage. Sunday winds up with a Native American blessing ceremony, gospel funk tribal brunch open jam, and a special mystery madness closing.

Here’s the expected Saturday main stage line up:

12 noon – Rhythm Mystic – Silver City funk and R&B music
3 pm – New River Blues – Las Cruses funk and jam music
6 pm – Root Skankadelic – Silver City original reggae and conscious dance music, presented by The Drifter Lounge
9 pm – Funk Farmers – Gila original funk and jam music

Thanks in advance to all the festival supporters and especially for the generous financial support from title sponsors Gila House Hotel / Gallery 400 and Prudential Silver City Properties.

This was a well-attended word-of-mouth conscious community event last year, and we are expecting a sell-out for 2006. Get to the festival early to get a good camping spot on-site. Overflow camping is available near the venue. Bring your own alcohol and plenty of water for this three-day wilderness music festival. Food and merchandise vendors will be present to serve festival goers on-site.

Come early Friday and stay late Sunday. Enjoy the Fall in the Gila. Make new friends.

E-mail: Rick Davis for any question on the festival.

I had a great Saturday night in downtown Silver City, thanks to good company and wonderful live music. I met my friends Brandie, Becca and Rosalyn at the Silver City Brewing Co. to catch the Night Owls. I’ve seen these kids play their mix of rock and blues before, and they were in good form Saturday. The Tucson group, which made it to the Arizona Battle of the Bands in 2003, features bassist Greg Reinhart (pictured above), guitarist Conner Gallaher, and drummer Reed Porter. All the members are still in their teens, but that doesn’t stop them from jammin out.

Afterward, we walked down to the Buffalo Bar (I had my inhaler just in case it got smoky) to see Bob Log III. This one-man act also hails from Tucson, and he impressed with fast riffs on the guitar (supplemented with steady beats on drum and cymbals, courtesy of his feet).

Preceding Log was Clayton Fletcher, who also played a mean guitar and warmed us up for the main act. Fletcher was quick to move between mellow acoustic and heavy electric, and he had my foot thumping in place.

This upcoming weekend will feature the Fiesta De La Luna, up at the Wildwood Hot Springs. Root Skankadelic, New River Blues, Durty Waturz, Funk Farmers, Rhythm Mystic and Curbside Poets are all set to play during the three-night event. Package rates, which include camping, food and music, are available. Otherwise, tickets for the show start at $18. For more information, visit RootSkankadelic.com.