From: owner-basia-digest@smoe.org (basia-digest) To: basia-digest@smoe.org Subject: basia-digest V8 #187 Reply-To: basia@smoe.org Sender: owner-basia-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-basia-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk X-To-Unsubscribe: Send mail to "basia-digest-request@smoe.org" X-To-Unsubscribe: with "unsubscribe" as the body. basia-digest Thursday, November 27 2003 Volume 08 : Number 187 Today's Subjects: ----------------- Miscellaneous..... ["Desianto F. W." ] Re: Excellence ["Desianto F. W." ] Re: Excellence [ad infinitum] ["JC" ] Re: Excellence [ad infinitum] ["Desianto F. W." Subject: Miscellaneous..... Hello..hello..hello..hello.. everybody! Stupid boy from Semarang, Central Java - Indonesia is back!..:-) Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Americans! How are you? Hope you're all OK. The list is quiet enough recently. Has the "controversy" finished?:-) I went into my inbox a few days ago and what I found is like the first line of "Pantun Jenaka" (funny Malayan poem or quartrain) that I learned in my first year Elementary School: "Di sini kosong, di sana ko- song" (Empty here, empty there). I've been busy for several days so I couldn't keep up with the latest news quickly. I hope I didn't miss something. Well, it's clear that Ramadhan has made me tired of everything THOUGH I don't celebrate it. Who won't be tired if everyday is faced with the noise of fireworks and the awful traffic jam (also many kinds of food which can make me get indigestion). OK, I'll reply the topics one by one chronologically (and, of course, asking about some things just like I always do). 1. BASIA'S LICENSE NUMBER: To Thelma, that's a nice license number you've got there! To Jim, are you a cop? (just kidding...:-)...) To Robert Burns, If I were in Jakarta, I would choose to have B 451 A so it will read BASIA...:-) B is the code for Jakarta. 2. THE CARPENTERS: The only song that I've ever listened to is "Yesterday Once More". I don't know about the other songs because when I began to be interested in music, The Carpenters had been "disappear" in Indonesia. However, I've ever watched their biography on TV, about three to five years ago, I'm not so sure. The one thing that really impressed me is the comment from their neighbour when they're little kids. She said, "Richard and Karen were just like ordinary kids at their time but when they play music, they play unlike other ordinary kids do because they REALLY can play music." 3. LINDA RONSTADT: As I said before, I really like her song "Don't Know Much". If you've ever watched the video clip, it gives a kind of "thrill" (I don't know the exact term for this). One day, when I was watching and listening to it carefully, I almost wept. I didn't know why, it moved my feeling so strong. To Tom, did Denny Percell say something (a lot) about Linda? BTW, will Basia make a song that can dry someone's tears up? IMHO, She always makes cheerful or soothing songs even if the lyrics actually talk about sadness. 4. MATT BIANCO (AND ALL THINGS...) Hi Dirk! Long time no see! I've visited your site (Matt Bianco) several times to search for somthing new but so far, I didn't make it. It seems that you can keep the secrets very well. However, if you can't resist to remain silent and tell us about the secrets, I hope Mark Reilly's "sword" is sharp enough so you wouldn't suffer too long (just kidding..:-)..) Well, I won't ask you more about what will be released by MB (MB in Indonesia means "Mercedes-Benz"). All we can do is waiting and hoping that we'll get something new at the end of this year. FYI, MB's albums that I can find in Indonesia are Rico and Gran Via. Actually, I plan to buy either WSAYO or The Best of MB but it seems that they can be found nowhere here. Many people here love to buy and listen to the "CHENG CHENG PO" (a Semarang Javanese slang term for something un-original or having low quality and ridiculous) records. That's why something with quality such as MB, Basia, and, by surprise, gamelan and keroncong music are not so popular here, esp. among the youth. I can't figure out what's wrong with them or is it because I'm 'abnormal' (unlike most people)? Well, I hope it's not because they're included in the "CHENG CHENG PO" generation.....:-) Tell me something. Can you give me info about Gran Via or Rico so I would be tempted to get, at least, one of them?...:-) I can't play the sample clip in Amazon because there's no sample clip so I can't get any 'picture' from those albums. 5. ....AND SO ON.... To Peter Wenz, thanks for the info about Polish female vocalists/artists. At least, now we know about other potential Polish singers beside Basia, Anna, and Edyta. We really appreciate it. BTW, how's the last October fest going?...:-) OK, confession time. Several days ago, I listened to my Michael W. Smith record. One of the song is entitled "Kentucky Rose". It's about a preacher who gave his life to save a boy at the Shyler's bridge. I wonder whether this song is based on a true story or not. I've asked Kamille about KFC before and she gave me a satisfying answer. So, my question is that, is it true that "Kentucky Rose" based on a true story? Or is it just MWS's (Michael W. Smith, not Murakami Wolf Swenson...:-)..) imagination? 6. DANCING... DANCING... DANCING... (WITH BASIA).. Has anyone of you, who love dancing, ever tried to use Basia's songs for ballroom/social dances? If you haven't, try "Ordinary People" for a "Flamenco" style dance! I can imagine the 'clapping' at the end of the song: "If they only knew (CLAP!), what's going through his mind. If they only knew (CLAP!), how lonely is his life. If only we could see (CLAP, CLAP, CLAP!...), through other people's eyes...." :-D Other songs, like Run for Cover, Freeze Thaw (I think both songs are suitable for competition dances), Baby You're Mine, An Olive Tree, and maybe, Simple Pleasure (for a slow dance...:-D) can also be used in dancing. OK, I'll leave it to you because, just like Phil Collins's song, "I can't dance!" 7. EARTH SONG Has everybody got the song "Earth Song" (1982) by Ian Lynn featuring Basia on backing vocals? If you haven't, you can get it at Mondony's or Juan's or Barry's website (or me...:-D..via e-mail attachment). JSMO, this song sounds like the soundtrack of Baywatch the TV series, or to be precisely, the soundtrack of Baywatch (I'm always here? I'll be there? whatever...) sounds like Earth Song... :-) However, if only this song would be rearranged again, I think it would be better if using the real band/musical instruments, not just MIDI. I can imagine the lick of the electric guitar.... Enough for now. Thanks for your attention! I hope this message will not be considered as a "CCP" (CHENG CHENG PO) message....:-) From rainy Indonesia, Desianto F. W. __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Free Pop-Up Blocker - Get it now http://companion.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2003 04:54:56 -0800 (PST) From: "Desianto F. W." Subject: Re: Excellence Hi Phil (2)! I eerga htiw ouy taht Basia si syawla ta eht tsrif ecalp on rettam tahw si eht ysrevortnoc. Yhw? Esuaceb er'ew Basia's snaf! Ti t'nseod naem taht rehto sregnis era ton doog hguone. Ni ym elbmuh noinipo, yeht era doog no rieht nwo syaw dna ni rieht nwo selyts. No eht rehto dnah, Basia si dedulcni ni eht erar sregnis esuaceb fo reh tnellecxe ytilauq hcihw t'nac eb dnuof ylisae yltnecer edised eht tcaf taht er'ew reh snaf. Erofereht, nehw ew deklat tuoba reh dna rehto sregnis, eht tluser si taht s'ehs syawla ta eht pot, ton esuaceb eht rehto sregnis era ton doog, tub esuaceb er'ew reh layol snaf. Desufnoc? T'nod ekat ti ylsuoires! Elims! S'ti tsuj rof nuf!... (-: Morf Aisenodni, Otnaised F. W. - ---------------------- P.S.: Read backward! (except Basia and Hi Phil..:-D..) ================================== - --- PParm16424@aol.com wrote: > > Hey everybody! > > Phil 2 here. Been thinkin'. (Read: "Uh-oh!") > Methinks that what really unites > us here, despite some of our differences in > preferences, is our love of and > pursuit of excellence. We don't "fall" for just any > performer that comes along. > If what they do doesn't register as "excellent" to > us, we have a hard time > even trying to connect with that artist. That is why > when we were discussing > other artists, there was a composite of truly > excellent musicians and singers, > Basia being at the top of the list, of course. So, I > say, it's all about > excellence! (How's that for overusing a word?) ;) __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Free Pop-Up Blocker - Get it now http://companion.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2003 12:21:57 -0700 From: "JC" Subject: Re: Excellence [ad infinitum] It's frightening how easily I read that, Desianto F.W., even before I got to the instructions at the bottom. I weigh in here one more time on the quality of Basia's music. Like most, I enjoy different music for different purposes; I sometimes listen to stuff that I would be embarrassed to admit to, for escapism or background or whatever. I agree that different music has merit for different reasons and it all generally fills a need or use and finds its niche. That said, when I realize an artist or group has become an Overwhelming All-Time Favorite with which I would not enjoy life as fully, it is invariably because the music satisfies multiple criteria. I value musical structure that is beautiful enough to be listened to over and over, and complex enough that I cannot sit down and write out the entire score on staff paper while listening the first time. Since I'm pretty competent at analysis and writing, that narrows the field. There may be nothing at all wrong with simply-constructed tunes, but the sad fact is I tire of them quickly and then they are no longer pleasing to listen to. Basia's music has depth, construction and content that do not wax trite. If it singing ever did, the various arrangements and instrumentation are of such quality that they are forever interesting; she has no hacks or imposters playing any parts on her albums, only artists. But it does not. I value accurate pitch extremely; it is painful to my ears to listen to artists whose voices or singing styles have them sliding all over the notes, sharp or flat, or indescribably "off" tone. True, there are times when the good artists will color the tone to fit the lyrics, message, style, mood or interpretation of the music - that's a matter of artistry. What is painful is hearing a singer who clearly either cannot or does not care to ever attain a true tone on the intended notes of the song. The horror is magnified when such a singer attempts to layer their vocal tracks or sing backups on their own recordings. Fortunately, such singers are often unable to grasp the harmonies and other nuances required of backup singers to make their lead vocals sound good, but it is amazing how many pathetic offerings actually reach production. Tons of substandard singers are able to sell recordings because of the brilliant backing vocals they hire; it astonishes me how that works. Marketing is everything, eh? But Basia's music indicates she has no problems with tonality, coloring, style, mood or interpretation. Her artistry is impeccable; when she wants the tone to sound nasal, it does; clear and pure, it does; strong, bright, soft, blue, dark, flattened vowels or rounded consonants - it is patently clear that she is in complete control of the music she is making and it sounds how she intends for it to sound. Thus, I never find myself clutching the edge of my chair trying to ignore weaknesses or misguided tonalities or make excuses for why the song should have been released sounding that way (or why I am listening to it). How comforting that is! I appreciate lyrics that speak volumes to different listeners, and do it in different ways than a million other poems or verses have done before. Basia's choices of subject matter, whether simple or complex on the surface, are always presented from a fresh and original perspective. Unless one's own mind forces a specific, relentless interpretation on a song of hers, there is always room for new thinking, new application, varied storyline and continued conjecture while listening to her music. I expect most of this we do subconsciously, but that makes it no less real or less important. There is the added plus that Basia is able to masterfully incorporate multisyllabic language in her music without approaching geekiness. How unusual is that? I would bet one could listen to entire song sets on many radio stations without ever venturing beyond the monosyllabic arena. Okay, enough droning. I'm sure everyone knows all of this anyway. But these are all reasons that Basia's music stands out in my mind, over and above other singers who may excell in one area - they have a 5-octave range, or they hire good songwriters, one song made me cry, one reminds me of my teenage dating experiences, their band is fabulous, etc. etc. (or their music sounds like bloody hell but they're so darn attractive to look at.) The lady is remarkable in so many ways that it's worth my time to hear her more than once. I do not belong to other fan clubs or lists because I simply haven't been compelled to. Happy T-day or whatever kind of day everyone is having world-wise!! /jan - ----- Original Message ----- From: Desianto F. W. To: basia@smoe.org Sent: Wednesday, November 26, 2003 5:54 AM Subject: Re: Excellence Hi Phil (2)! I eerga htiw ouy taht Basia si syawla ta eht tsrif ecalp on rettam tahw si eht ysrevortnoc. Yhw? Esuaceb er'ew Basia's snaf! Ti t'nseod naem taht rehto sregnis era ton doog hguone. Ni ym elbmuh noinipo, yeht era doog no rieht nwo syaw dna ni rieht nwo selyts. No eht rehto dnah, Basia si dedulcni ni eht erar sregnis esuaceb fo reh tnellecxe ytilauq hcihw t'nac eb dnuof ylisae yltnecer edised eht tcaf taht er'ew reh snaf. Erofereht, nehw ew deklat tuoba reh dna rehto sregnis, eht tluser si taht s'ehs syawla ta eht pot, ton esuaceb eht rehto sregnis era ton doog, tub esuaceb er'ew reh layol snaf. Desufnoc? T'nod ekat ti ylsuoires! Elims! S'ti tsuj rof nuf!... (-: Morf Aisenodni, Otnaised F. W. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2003 22:05:02 -0800 (PST) From: "Desianto F. W." Subject: Re: Excellence [ad infinitum] Hello Janelle and all! > That said, when I realize an artist or group has > become an Overwhelming All-Time Favorite with which > I would not enjoy life as fully, it is invariably > because the music satisfies multiple criteria. It reminds me to Earth, Wind and Fire, that legendary group. When they were very popular at the end of 70's and at the beginning of 80's, they had made 9 years trip to perform everywhere in the world without taking a rest. Surely, the burden was beyond the personells' capacity and the differences among them began to come up. To overcome this, they agreed to dismantle the group and take a rest for a while and do their best when they are ready to come back. The result is that, they are still great till now because they know when to start and when to stop. Sadly, not many artists, singers, or bands do the same way - realizing their limits - as a result their materials become weaker and weaker though they are increasingly popular... > I value musical structure that is beautiful enough > to be listened to over and over, and complex enough > that I cannot sit down and write out the entire > score on staff paper while listening the first time. I was born with a hearing which is sensitive enough (not very) to music but just average to human speech. I don't know how to write on staff paper but I'm familiar enough with number notes and keys because they are commonly taught in common Indonesian schools. I never took any music lesson, just play naturally like my brothers do (they play keyboard and violin), which makes my parents wonder because they cannot play even a musical instrument. Sometimes they say, "Where did they get the talents? We never taught them or sent them to music courses." However, I also agree with you about the musical structure; the more complex is the structure (along with the perfect harmony, of course), the more I like because it challenges me. And Basia's music is unquestionable in the complexcity and perfect harmony. > I value accurate pitch extremely; it is painful to > my ears to listen to artists whose voices or singing > styles have them sliding all over the notes, sharp > or flat, or indescribably "off" tone. True, there > are times when the good artists will color the tone > to fit the lyrics, message, style, mood or inter- > pretation of the music-that's a matter of artistry. > What is painful is hearing a singer who clearly > either cannot or does not care to ever attain a true > tone on the intended notes of the song. Want an example? IMHO, Mariah Carrey is the perfect example for this case (sorry for Mariah's fans!). She slides too often everywhere in the songs as if as she drives a 2-wheel drive vehicle without a limited slip differential and perfect tyres on muddy or icy roads. And Basia? Well, let's imagine that she is like driving a 4-wheel drive vehicle equipped with center, front, and rear differential locker, a PTO, perfect tyres, and the best, she knows when to lock/unlock, use/un-use the PTO, inflate/deflate the tyres, when to use 2H, 4H or 4L, and keep the engine running...:-) But in the real life, I'm not sure that our tiny Lady would enjoy driving a huge 4-WD vehicle (let's say, a Unimog?) on the muddy roads..:-) Back to the right path. Sadly, the 'sliding style' is popular recently. Many singers do this not because the songs require to but because they want to show the world that they can 'slide' their voice which make many people open their mouths amazed. But without a 'soul' means nonsense! A drunk man can do that. > The horror is magnified when such a singer attempts > to layer their vocal tracks or sing backups on their > own recordings. Fortunately, such singers are often > unable to grasp the harmonies and other nuances > required of backup singers to make their lead vocals > sound good, but it is amazing how many pathetic > offerings actually reach production. Tons of sub- > standard singers are able to sell recordings because > of the brilliant backing vocals they hire; it > astonishes me how that works. Marketing is every- > thing, eh? Or even worse, their success is because of their good looks, sexy appearances, or even bad boys looks! The fact, many fans of those singers/bands will answer, "Oh, she/he is sexy," or "They look cool," rather than "She/he can sing perfectly and performs wonder- fully." I tell you a funny thing. There is a band in Indonesia which is so popular because of their looks, not their materials. When I'm with my friends, everytime I hear their songs, I ask, "How many bottles did they drink before they recorded that song?" Of course my friends laugh because, indeed, the songs sound like a drunk man songs. > Basia's choices of subject matter, whether simple > or complex on the surface, are always presented from > a fresh and original perspective. Unless one's own > mind forces a specific, relentless interpretation on > a song of hers, there is always room for new think- > ing, new application, varied storyline and continued > conjecture while listening to her music. I expect > most of this we do subconsciously, but that makes it > no less real or less important. There is the added > plus that Basia is able to masterfully incorporate > multisyllabic language in her music without > approaching geekiness. How unusual is that? I would > bet one could listen to entire song sets on many > radio stations without ever venturing beyond the > monosyllabic arena. Do you know how Basia writes her songs? Or at least, where does the material come from? As far as I know, she reads Polish literary works as well as other countries literary works a lot. Then, mixed with her personal experiences, came out the works that we all love. However, sometimes I still be able to notice her Polish accent...:-) > The lady is remarkable in so many ways that it's > worth my time to hear her more than once. I do not > belong to other fan clubs or lists because I simply > haven't been compelled to. BTW, have you collected the duplicates of Basia's album? I have a tip that works well for me to avoid my Basia's CD's wear-out. I played them not so often but memorize and play her songs regularly in my head. > Happy T-day or whatever kind of day everyone is > having world-wise!! > > /jan :-) If you mean Thanksgiving, I'm sure that only Americans celebrate it. However, if it means "TRZE- TRZELEWSKA" day, we all celebrate it though we're only a few in this world....:-) Czesc, Desianto F. W. __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? 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