The definition didn’t get me very far, as it turned out. The Chiara String Quartet CD of Jefferson Friedman string quartets included two remixes by the "electronica supergroup" Matmos. Remixes of string quartets? What's that about?
I was forced to recognize that, on this matter, I might be an irredeemable member of the “trousers rolled” set. I just couldn't figure out why anyone would think Friedman's stunning string quartets needed embellishment.
Then I discovered a remix for which I have a definite weakness:
Of course, purists may insist on hearing Bing sing Berlin straight up:
But really, this is just my oddball way of saying:
HAPPY HOLIDAY TO YOU!
Starting Sunday, I’ll be offline much of the next two weeks. Even so, I hope you'll stop by and say hello. I look forward to catching up with one and all in the New Year, if not before.
I leave you with this, timeless and sage advice, as we head into 2012:
For those who might prefer another kind of silliness, here's a late-breaking addition, a tip-off from shoreacres (though perhaps I'm the only person on the planet who hadn't seen it until now). In our household, we definitely recognize this cat:
And here, another late-breaking addition, courtesy of Wide Open Spaces. The singer, Dar Williams, hails from the Hudson Valley:
And last, not least, holiday greetings from Arnold Schoenberg (compliments to George Wallace for spotting this one):
14 comments:
Monty Python had me whistling right along with the boys! This would be a great way to start each morning you know. The whistling and singing that is...
Happy Holiday and see you again in the New Year Susan!
Oops, I nearly missed your last post for the year.
Thank you for being a brilliant blogger, with lots of interesting ideas and suggestions; ........
that is, on the whole, BUT I must be the only person on earth who is not fond of the The Life of Brian and the sign-off tune. Can't tell you why, no serious reason; I probably lack the Python funny bone.
Have a wonderful time, dear friend; I hope you enjoy every minute of the festive season.
'I might be an irredeemable member of the “trousers rolled” set.'
Make no apologies!
Have a beautiful holiday and a very happy new year's eve! See you in 2012, friend.
Hi Susan,
Wow, this was wonderful and I'm humming to all the different collections of videos you have submitted.
And now you truly know the meaning of 'remix' :)
I'm know wondering if the song 'White Christmas' and the lyrics were actually a precursor to global warming.
Have a lovely Christmas and a most uplifting New Year, Susan.
In kindness and goodwill, Gary
Always love me some Bing and Fred. Simon's Cat is a new favourite - it has entered the home mythology that, as seen in 'Cat Chat' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JP1Pk62X7XQ) - a 44 second masterpiece - I AM that hectoring hedgehog and the diplo-mate is the leaf-chucking cat. Fortunately we sometimes swap roles.
Have a wonderful break - what a great thing it's been to connect. Looking forward to more in 2012.
Hello Susan:
Thank you for providing us here with such amusing holiday entertainment. Some things do stand the test of time and can be remixed again and again!!
We have so enjoyed reading your posts throughout the year and our musical knowledge has expanded considerably through your careful and knowledgeable guidance for which we thank you very much.
Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year!!
Loved the clips you shared here, especially seeing Fred Astaire dance like that! I apologize for not getting around to comment on prior posts - hope you have an enjoyable break over the new year.
Here is my favorite Christmas song for you to enjoy - the video is not much to look at, but it has the lyrics so you don't miss a syllable of the divine Dar Williams.
http://youtu.be/d9H9Fi4Qcus
Dear Sue,
how could that happen? First I waited for the return of Husband, who once had given a lecture to his students on "Covered and Sampled", to say something to your theme "remix" - and then I forgot to write at all - in the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations! I loved your videos so much (have never seen 'The Life of Brian', though all the other things of M.P - now I will). And the cute cat video I "borrowed" and posted it today on Facebook, thank you.
I wish you a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
I will dance into it in Munich - but before I want to thank you for all your great posts! Thank you and blessings from Britta
Susan, I have no idea how it happened, but I've run out of time! I'm leaving town for three days in about an hour, and just was thinking, "Perhaps I should pack..."
It's been wonderful getting to know you, and quite a learning experience. Blessed be the Music Makers, but blessed also be the ones who unravel the mysteries of music for us!
Christmas greetings, to you and yours.
Hope that you are enjoying your break.
A chance to thank you for all your visits to my blog and for your comments which I always enjoy reading.
I hope your camera has gone with you, as I am sure you will have captured something interesting to share with us.
Sending you best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
Thanks for brightening my day with this delicious post - I look forward to more in 2012! Enjoy your holiday and a blessed New Year xxx
Rubye Jack: So glad you enjoyed that bit of silliness. I was worried a bit that the Monty Python bit might cause folks to flee, but I simply couldn’t help it, made me laugh every time. I am relieved that the same was true for you!
Friko: Well, you may certainly be excused for lacking the MP funny-bone. MP can go well over the top, as they say. I’m glad you are willing to excuse me for this lapse and hope you have had a splendid holiday.
Suze: Oh, all right then, no apologies whatsoever. (I apologize for apologizing, then . . . oops!)
I hope you are having a lovely holiday!
Gary: Ah, indeed, White Christmas, the canary in the coal mine for global warming! Well, at least we can all whistle our way through it (look on the bright side, perchance?).
David: As I’ve written Over There, the hedgehog/cat cartoon is definitely a masterpiece, and Over Here, we definitely recognize who’s who!
Jane and Lance: And a pleasure to get to know you a bit as well. I look forward to more stories from Budapest in the coming year!
WOS: So glad you stopped by—and not only that, but identified that great Dar Williams song!
Britta: There is simply not enough time, is there? Still, we have managed to exchange many interesting things over the year, and I look forward to the same in the year to come!
shoreacres: As noted to Britta, it is amazing how the time flies by, and we only manage a fraction of what we intend to do. I hope your trip is wonderful & I look forward to our continuing exchanges in the coming year.
Milly: Yes, indeed, the camera has gone with me, and I hope you will enjoy the results to come. Thank you for another year of beautiful drawings, and I look forward to what’s in store for 2012.
Carol-Ann: Made even more delicious, I might add, by your Florida Santa mailman photograph!
I'm usually with you in the "trousers rolled" set, Susan. For me the question usually comes up with those classic movies that some foolhardy directors thought they could improve on. So far I don't think anyone has been crazy enough to try to remake Casablanca or Gone with the Wind, and I hope I don't live long enough to see anyone try.
And I just thought of a musical example. PBS recently showed a horridly updated version of Pinafore that I had to turn off after a few minutes.
Hi Susan .. I obviously belong to the rolled up trouser brigade .. I could never get to grips with Monty Python - til way past my grown up days! But Simon's cat .. was fun ..
Happy New Year .. and seeing you in a few minutes over on the other side .. ie first post of 2012 .. cheers Hilary
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