From: owner-joni-digest@smoe.org (JMDL Digest) To: joni-digest@smoe.org Subject: JMDL Digest V2008 #312 Reply-To: joni@smoe.org Sender: owner-joni-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-joni-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk Unsubscribe: mailto:joni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe Website: http://jonimitchell.com JMDL Digest Friday, December 5 2008 Volume 2008 : Number 312 ========== TOPICS and authors in this Digest: -------- The Fiddle and the Drum dvd [Gordon Mackie ] njc Song Around the World "stand By Me" [Lieve Reckers ] Re: RS Top 100 Singers NJC [Bob.Muller@Fluor.com] Re: Neil Young NJC [Victor Johnson ] Re: RS 100 Greatest Singers (one more time) NJC [PassScribe@aol.com] Re: Neil & Laura NJC [PassScribe@aol.com] Re: RS 100 Greatest Singers (one more time) NJC ["Jerry Notaro" ] Re: From Bo/Lists and a belated message [Peep Richman ] Grammy nominations and that Grammy concert - NJC [Joseph Palis ] Grammy. NJC [do9eatdo9@yahoo.com] Re: Grammy nominations and that Grammy concert - NJC [Bob Muller ] Re: From Bo/Lists and a belated message ["Cassy" ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 11:04:13 +0000 From: Gordon Mackie Subject: The Fiddle and the Drum dvd Gertus@aol.com wrote ...Does this help at all? (http://www.dvd4music.com/onlineshop/details/551200-1.html) Oh yes it does help Jacky.. - and I've just ordered it. I do hope it will play on my non-US dvd player as the info on the site was not clear to me. Reflection - so many people were prepared to help off-list on this one. Thanks to you all. You've made a grumpy old man very cheery. Gordon x ...in cold and damp Glasgow- we were 'promised' a snow storm and all I got was this lousy slush ! ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 11:42:51 +0000 (GMT) From: Lieve Reckers Subject: njc Song Around the World "stand By Me" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us-TVg40ExM I think this is the right thing to share with the JMDL.B Very uplifting, very moving, and a lot of fun too! Lieve in London ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 07:18:26 -0500 From: "Blair Fraipont" Subject: Joni (Blue) by Chris Bogia http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/arts/design/03chan.html?_r=1&n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/Subjects/A/Art This is artwork by my friend Chris. He has also done a Patti Smith *Horses*piece. Enjoy! Blair F Astoria, NY http://www.mrheadphones.com/ [demime 0.97c-p1 removed an attachment of type image/jpeg which had a name of Bogia.Blue.jpg] ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 07:40:48 -0500 From: Bob.Muller@Fluor.com Subject: Re: RS Top 100 Singers NJC And speaking of Neil, this new live concert he just released "Live At Canterbury House 1968" is a real treasure - any other Neil Young fans digging this trip back in time? Bob NP: Randy Newman, "Potholes" - ------------------------------------------------------------ The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain proprietary, business-confidential and/or privileged material. If you are not the intended recipient of this message you are hereby notified that any use, review, retransmission, dissemination, distribution, reproduction or any action taken in reliance upon this message is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of the company. - ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 09:17:18 -0500 From: Victor Johnson Subject: Re: Neil Young NJC Not yet but now that I know about it I'll be heading to the record store after school! Victor, thankful this is the last day of classes On Dec 4, 2008, at 7:40 AM, Bob.Muller@Fluor.com wrote: > > > And speaking of Neil, this new live concert he just released "Live At > Canterbury House 1968" is a real treasure - any other Neil Young fans > digging this trip back in time? ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 11:13:42 EST From: PassScribe@aol.com Subject: Re: RS 100 Greatest Singers (one more time) NJC Monika wrote: > There are those singers who are "technically" good but are simply > boring. Do you understand what I mean by that? > Oh, absolutely! Those are probably all the performers out there whose albums I DON'T have... heh-heh-heh. BTW, regarding Dylan: the only albums I have of his are those records that I bought used at garage sales for 50 cents, or something I might have taped off the radio. I've never been driven enough to actually buy anything new, although (disclaimer to keep the Dylan fans from attacking me) I DO respect his songwriting and even his "singing," be that as it is. Kenny B ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 11:19:50 EST From: PassScribe@aol.com Subject: Re: Neil & Laura NJC In a message dated 12/4/08 7:41:57 AM, Bob.Muller@Fluor.com writes: > And speaking of Neil, this new live concert he just released "Live At > Canterbury House 1968" is a real treasure - any other Neil Young fans digging this > trip back in time? > > Bob > I've heard about it, Bob, and if it's anything like the "Live at Massey Hall, 1971" I will be thrilled. BTW, for all you Laura Nyro fans out there (and I know there are some), there are two GREAT live concerts of hers from the (now gone) Bottom Line in NYC, available for listening at Wolfgang's Vault (Google it). Kenny B ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 11:33:24 -0500 (EST) From: "Jerry Notaro" Subject: Re: RS 100 Greatest Singers (one more time) NJC One more thing I'd like to add is that Dylan is a performer you HAVE to see live once to get him. He has so much more humor and stage presence than you would ever believe. He is truly electrifying. Jerry PassScribe@aol.com wrote: > Monika wrote: > >> There are those singers who are "technically" good but are simply >> boring. Do you understand what I mean by that? >> > Oh, absolutely! Those are probably all the performers out there > whose > albums I DON'T have... heh-heh-heh. > BTW, regarding Dylan: the only albums I have of his are those records > that I bought used at garage sales for 50 cents, or something I might have > taped > off the radio. I've never been driven enough to actually buy anything new, > although (disclaimer to keep the Dylan fans from attacking me) I DO > respect > his > songwriting and even his "singing," be that as it is. > > Kenny B ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:52:39 -0500 From: "Barbara Stewart" Subject: for Jane Siberry / Issa fans near NYC, Toronto, SF, Vancouver I've always posited that Joni Mitchell fans should also follow the astounding creativity of Jane Siberry over the last 4 decades. There is a 'rumour' that Jane / Issa will be meeting fans on Sunday Dec 7. 4-6 pm in Hotel Chelsea lobby in NYC. 23 St @ 7-8 Aves. Quite 'certain' but not 'officially' confirmed. Email me off-list if you want confirmation (if I get it). Issa's new CD, Dragon Dreams, was released by her on Dec.1 & will be available there. http://www.sheeba.ca/store/home.php Other Dec appearances in ...... Toronto - Sat D'6 (short concert too). And San Fran & Vancouver sometime in Dec (see 'tour' tab). http://www.issalight.com/indexmain.html She is doing these "Come'n'Go" appearances for the new CD. Those familiar with Issa know she initiated 'self-pricing' for buying her music, and has shunned as much of the commercial 'business' approach to music as possible. from her site: "* WHAT IS A 'COME & GO'? In the cities where Issa is travelling, she will hold court in lobbies, donut shops or subway cars for a couple of hours so you can pick up cds in person. You come and you go. (toronto is the only concert and this was an accident.)" B ( http://www.issalight.com/indexmain.html ) from : Barbara L.Stewart, MLS Library - Sesame Workshop 1 Lincoln Plaza, 4th fl, NYC, NY 10023 USA tel: 212-875-6393 fax: 212-875-7309 barbara.stewart@sesameworkshop.org "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter." - ML King ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 08:58:59 -0800 From: "Cassy" Subject: Re: Joni (Blue) by Chris Bogia I particularly liked the glass teardrops, they evoked Joni lyrics in me; not sure why I thought of wax rolling down like tears but there you are. I also, as you do, wandered into a few other areas and found a fabulous photo of Lisa Minnelli, damn she looks good. http://tinyurl.com/6rxsga Cassy NP: Phil Ochs - Universal Soldier If Iraq's biggest export was broccoli, would we still be there ? From: "Blair Fraipont" Subject: Joni (Blue) by Chris Bogia <<< http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/arts/design/03chan.html?_r=1&n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/Subjects/A/Art This is artwork by my friend Chris. He has also done a Patti Smith *Horses*piece. >>> ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 11:06:33 -0800 (PST) From: Peep Richman Subject: Re: From Bo/Lists and a belated message Hi Joni-family, I have always read lists of the 100 best....whatever, who ever, and always felt angry...well, that's not really the emotion..softer, more like bothered. A list of any kind is so subjective. Maybe it can help stimulate or motivate people to check out a particular artist or author. Other than that, I hardly read lists any longer...funny, that used to be one of my new year rituals. Joni HAS to be number ONE...but that's my subjective feeling. Wouldn't it be fabulous if she would be recognized in this way??? I'd sure break out a special bottle to that...and wish I could share it with all my Digest pals....and, in my dreams...Joni!!! Will Kay's CD be on "CD Baby"??? Paul, I want to wish you a belated yet very heartfelt congratulations on your marriage. The description you wrote shined with the love you and your darling share. I feel so happy for you!!! May all the blessing you have come to fruition!! Just wanted to make a suggestion for holiday presents...Kate's "Over the Moon" is giving me such pleasure...lyrics written from her heart-center and love her voice!!!! Here IS a list I would be so grateful to have: a list of all Digest musicians who have Cd's for purchase (and where I can buy them). For me this is the ultimate holiday present I would want to share with the people I love and hold dear to my heart. Want to let you know that I stumbled across an interesting website..Swaptree.com You can list any Cd's or books you have on your "have" list and then list what you'd want on your "wish" list. Swaptree notifies you when a swap happens. You pay only to send the item. Just want to know...does anyone like Anna Nalick, India Arie, Craig Davis, Suzanne Vega?? How about Motown artists??? Wishing you all a SAFE approach to the holiday season. Hugs and kisses!!! Bo ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 15:39:52 -0500 From: Victor Johnson Subject: Re: India Arie (njc) India Arie totally rocks! She's actually working on her 4th album which will be released some time next year. I thought she was amazing the first time I ever saw her perform, solo acoustic, pre- Acoustic Soul.'' As far as cd's go, I have two that are available from CDBaby which I believe several other people here are on as well. Though there is another Victor Johnson from Oregon who has nothing to do with me at all. I agree with you about Over the Moon...I've had several magical experiences with that cd. Victor, still at school and enjoying the rain On Dec 4, 2008, at 2:06 PM, Peep Richman wrote: > > Just want to know...does anyone like Anna Nalick, India Arie, Craig > Davis, Suzanne Vega?? How about Motown artists??? > Wishing you all a SAFE approach to the holiday season. > Hugs and kisses!!! > Bo ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 20:24:57 +0000 (GMT) From: Joseph Palis Subject: Grammy nominations and that Grammy concert - NJC I thought the idea of doing a Grammy concert to bring attention to the nominees is a refreshing idea. Refreshing because not too many people care anymore about Grammys in general, and the eventual winners in particular. B In between college basketball games, we TiVoed and watched the Grammy nomination concerts and I was pleasantly surprised that much of it worked for me. Taylor Swift who co-hosted the event with LL Cool J, is this young country singer who is all the rage right now. She is quite winning and has this aura that she still gets surprised by things around her. B The performers were this side of stellar and what;'s refreshing is the song they chose to sing. Mariah Carey sang a Christmas song that is indistinguishable from all the rest out there and except for that whistle-voice she used once, she held back. Celine Dion sang Janis Ian's "At 17" with none of that gut-wrenching vocals I associated with her. I thought she did well but was it me or did she botch up the lyrics towards the end? The Foo Fighters were charming with Carly Simon's "You're So Vain" although Dave Grohl's vocal range can't quite swoop that upward note that Carly wrote to suit her voice back then. He is goofy and a little creepy-looking but he charms. Taylor Swift did Brenda Lee's "I'm Sorry" minus the drama. It was alright but I wished they asked a more capable country-leaning singer to sing it well, like maybe Trisha Yearwood or Martina McBride or even Lorrie Morgan. Then BB King came out and rocked the house with John B. Mayer. The former is electric and wins hands-down, but the latter is self-conscious, a sub-par talent compared to King and quite annoying and obnoxious. B They only announced the nominations in major categories but it made me check grammy.com for the other nominees. B I like the fact that the "Raising Sand' album of Robert Plant and Alison Krauss got nominated for a lot of awards including Album and Record of the Year. Emmylou Harris once said that the combined voices of Krauss and Plant made an exciting third voice. The album is up against Duffy, Adele, Coldplay and others. Will 'Raising Sand' be a surprise winner like Herbie's 'Joni Letters'. B In the Pop Traditional category, two of the five nominated albums are Christmas albums -- a trend that gets reproduced every year. Not too excited for other nominees (Rufus Wainwright, Natalie Cole, Josh Groban, Barry Manilow are the others) in this category but Michael Feinstein's tribute to Sinatra is a welcome presence. B James Taylor's 'Wichita Lineman' in the Pop Vocal performance is a surprising addition. I hope he wins this one. Then Daft Punk, Brazilian Girls, Cyndi LauperB and Moby are vying for the Electronic/Dance album of the year. And I thought Ear Powr's LP is the best I heard of this genre this year. I am so out of touch. B But My Morning Jacket and Death Cab for Cutie sneaked in the Best Alternative album for the year. Very cool indeed but what happened to the great releases from Of Montreal, Santogold, Mission of Burma, Boris, Tape, The Melvins, or Endless Boogie. Probably these releases are under the radar of the voters. B Nice to see some Jazmine Sullivan among the nominated ones but what about Jean Grae or Erykah Badu's fantastic album called Amerykah. In the country vocal category, all the contemporary female country singers are there -- but I pray they will give it to anyone except Carrie Underwood. But then if the Grammy award does not mean anything maybe it is as well that it goes to her. She is so overrated. B In the jazz category, the nominated artists and albums were more to my liking: Randy Brecker's 'Randy in Brasil' is funky, musically expansive and seems destined to be a classic. And it is alsways nice to see John McLaughlin doing more albums and get noticed by his peers. In the vocal jazz category, the ladies dominated it this year -- all of them good and 4 out of 5 of them recorded a Joni song in the past - Karrin Allyson, Norma Winstone, Cassandra Wilson and Kate McGarry. Brit jazz singer Stacey Kent is the only one who had yet to record a Joni song. I like Stacey Kent's muted trumpet of a voice, but I wish Norma Winstone gets the award this year. Her album is a moving art-jazz performance few can rival this year. The fact it got nominated means there are voters who actually heard it to nominate it, but Cassandra's beautiful 'Loverly' album will surely get it. B No Ani DiFranco in the list, although Aimee Mann's '#*&8% Smilers' is in the running although it is more for album packaging. No Over The Rhine or Hem or Fleet Foxes? B B Joseph in Chapel Hill np:B Cynthia Crane and Mike Renzi - Scotch and Soda ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 16:26:40 -0500 From: "Jenny Goodspeed" Subject: Re: My CD is finally available! And 2 NYC shows... I know I've said it before, but Kay's CD is my favorite this year. I can't recommend it enough, especially for Joni lovers. That is people who love Joni's music. Not Joni's lovers, though I'm sure they'd like it too. Jenny On Tue, Dec 2, 2008 at 3:39 PM, Kay Ashley wrote: Please visit http://www.kayashley.com/music.html to hear the songs and read the lyrics; and please visit http://www.kayashley.com/products.htmlfor purchasing options, if you feel so moved. $15 for a CD makes a great holiday gift, and cheap, too! ;-D On Tue, Dec 2, 2008 at 3:39 PM, Kay Ashley wrote: > Hello JoniListas, > > First off, apologies for the lack of NJC or SJC tag, but I wanted to let > you > all know that my debut CD "Heliotrope" is finally available. I'm really > excited about having completed it, I'm really proud of it (those of you who > know me personally know what an achievement that is!), and I think ya'll > will like it. :-) I co-produced it with the amazing Michael Leonhart, > whom > I know some of you have seen on tour with Steely Dan in recent years. The > overall feel of the record is kinda Joni-meets-Zeppelin-meets The > Beatles-and then had a coffee with Nick Drake and Laura Nyro... good thing > I > didn't aspire to be a publicist, right? > > The official commercial release for "Heliotrope" is set for March 21, 2009, > but I will be selling it directly via PayPal (no membership required) > before > then. Please visit http://www.kayashley.com/music.html to hear the songs > and read the lyrics; and please visit > http://www.kayashley.com/products.htmlfor purchasing options, if you > feel so moved. $15 for a CD makes a great > holiday gift, and cheap, too! ;-D > > And for those of you who like trawling for new music, I've recently joined > the Reverb Nation web site (http://www.reverbnation.com/kayashley), which > seems to be a really cool site, kinda like MySpace, but much more > professional. Reverb Nation makes it very easy for you to search for new > artists by location and genre. Jenny Goodspeed is on Reverb Nation now, > too. So mozy on over and say hi (with lots of reverb, of course)! :-) > > For the NYC folks, I will be playing an early 7:00 pm set at Banjo Jim's > this Saturday 12/6, and I have another December show coming up at Gizzi's > Coffeehouse on Saturday 12/20. I'd love to some of youse guys there! :-) > > Details: > > Sat 12/6 @ 7:00 pm > Banjo Jim's > Avenue C & 9th Street > NYC > No cover charge > http://www.banjojims.com > > Sat 12/20 @ 9:00 pm > Gizzi's Coffee > 16 West 8th Street > Between MacDougal & 5th Ave > NYC > No cover charge > Come early to catch the lovely Lara Ewen at 8:00 pm! > http://www.gizzisny.com > http://www.unstrungmusic.com > > Thanks for reading. :-) > > Kay > > ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ > KAY ASHLEY ~ Singer-Songwriter > http://www.kayashley.com > http://www.sonicbids.com/kayashley > http://www.reverbnation.com/kayashley > http://www.myspace.com/kayashley > > Ring the bells that still can ring. > Forget your perfect offering. > There is a crack in everything. > That's how the light gets in. > ~Leonard Cohen ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 13:40:17 -0800 (PST) From: Jeannie Subject: Re: The Fiddle and the Drum NJC Bob, If you could share the ballet with me, I'd feel much obliged and it would feel like it's truly coming on Christmas a little more to me. As far as the added tagline, NJC, I figure it's just better to add it on if the subject matter doesn't target Joni enough, hoping not to offend the Just Joni Content members. Most Truly, Jeannie NPIMH for dear Odetta: "I wish I had a river sooo long, I would teach my feet to fly...and I shed a couple of tears for you, Odetta." Fly away now, sweet songbird. - --- On Tue, 12/2/08, Bob.Muller@Fluor.com wrote: > Cc: joni@smoe.org > Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2008, 9:46 AM > It is out there on DVD, Jeannie. I've got a copy of it > AND I *finally* > learned how to use the software on my computer to burn > DVD's (so easy a > caveman could do it but I won't admit that), so maybe I > can make a copy to > share with you. > > Bob, wondering why Joni's ballet would be NJC > > NP: They Might Be Giants, "Letterbox" > ------------------------------------------------------------ > The information transmitted is intended only for the person > > or entity to which it is addressed and may contain > proprietary, business-confidential and/or privileged > material. > If you are not the intended recipient of this message you > are > hereby notified that any use, review, retransmission, > dissemination, > distribution, reproduction or any action taken in reliance > upon > this message is prohibited. If you received this in error, > please > contact the sender and delete the material from any > computer. > > Any views expressed in this message are those of the > individual > sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of the > company. > ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 5 Dec 2008 05:28:52 +0700 From: do9eatdo9@yahoo.com Subject: Grammy. NJC I don't have Plant/Krauss album so i can't make a statement they deserve Grammys or not. But i have Coldplay's Viva La Vida Or Death and All His Friends and Radiohead's In Rainbow. And i guess those albums, and songs from those albums deserve grammy(s). It's interesting to find my 2 favorites compete each other on Album of The Year categories. I really recommend those 2 records for those who haven't heard. Very well written, well produced but not over produced. But i warn you that Radiohead's In Rainbow can be a bit depressing for some people for both of its lyric and sound. My sister says the album is a great album for stress/depressed/melancholic/frustrated/lonely-in-the-city people with pessimistic lines like: "Don't get any big ideas/ They're not gonna happen" (from "Nude") On the other hand, Coldplay's Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends, is an ode to death, but is also an ode to life. Worth listening: Radiohead: Jigsaw Falling Into Places Nude House of Cards Coldplay: Viva La Vida Violet Hill Lost Rian ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 15:11:27 -0800 (PST) From: Bob Muller Subject: Re: Grammy nominations and that Grammy concert - NJC Of course not - they don't want to encourage the independent and successful business model she has crafted. She has gotten a couple of nominations, but always for 'artistic design', never for her music. Easily my favorite 2008 release. Bob NP: Los Lobos, "Everybody Loves A Train" ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:11:42 -0500 From: "Barbara Stewart" Subject: for NYC area - Woody Guthrie and WFUV fans.... Mark your calendars...... WOODY'S CHILDREN 40th Anniversary Concert Broadcast -- a benefit for WFUV 90.7 FM $40 Wednesday January 7, 2009 8pm to 10:30pm. Merkin Concert Hall, 129 West 67th Street, NYC Bob Sherman, host since 1969 Featuring: Tom Chapin with Jon Cobert and Michael Mark Christine Lavin, Doug Mishkin, Tom Paxton with Eric Weissberg Pete Seeger with Tao Rodriguez-Seeger Peter Yarrow with Rufus Cappadocia. and more???? Alas, Odetta was going to be on this concert as well, but .... Tickets are $40 and going fast. B from : Barbara L.Stewart, MLS Library - Sesame Workshop 1 Lincoln Plaza, 4th fl, NYC, NY 10023 USA tel: 212-875-6393 fax: 212-875-7309 barbara.stewart@sesameworkshop.org "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter." - ML King ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 23:49:25 -0500 From: Vince Subject: Re: Grammy nominations and that Grammy concert - NJC Me being me, on the nominations that I paid attention to: Album of the year: Lil Wayne's Tha Carter III deserved to be nominated but he sure as hell better not win after Eminem got screwed in being passed over for the Marshall Mathers LP and The Eminem Show. I would be real happy if Ne-Yo's Year of the Gentleman won. Song of the Year: I was beyond ecstatic that Estelle with Kanye West's American Boy was nominated of song of the year since that has been a favorite of mine all year. Jason Mraz's I'm Yours is a most worthy nominee and could win but I'd rather see American Boy win which it won't. Record of the Year: Chasing Pavements by Adele. Certain win. Best Rap Solo: I am so bored by Jay-Z. Lil Wayne's A Milli will probably win but Nas N.i.*.*.e.r. (Slave & Master) could/should win - Lupe Fiasco deserved the nomination but I would not have chosen Paris, Toyko from his recent output... I would have chosen Superstar. Rap Duo/group: Luda! Ludacris (featuring T.I.) being nominated for Wish You Would made me happy! I also hope that T.I. will grow up now that he is out of jail on the guns in the trunk of the car thing. Ludacris always makes me laugh - he writes the funniest, wittiest stuff ever in human history. And while I remain bored by Jay-Z, the nomination of Swagga Like Us by J-Z & TI, Kanye, and Lil Wayne (this is Weezy's year!) was an excellent choice and would be great winner. And here we note that Weezy (aka Lil Wayne) got more nominations than anyone else: nice the academy recognizes rap 25 years later than the rest of the world. Still would be adamn shame for Weezy to cop the awards that Eminem deserved. Rap collaboration: in some ways the est rap category since rap is all about collaboration. The strongest of nominees perhaps in any category. Look at the nominees: Wow. Any could win and I'd be happy although American Boy remains my personal favorite. - *American Boy* *Estelle Featuring Kanye West* Track from: Shine [Homeschool/Atlantic] - *Low* *Flo Rida Featuring T-Pain* Track from: Mail On Sunday [Poe Boy/Atlantic] - *Green Light* *John Legend & Andre 3000* [Columbia/G.O.O.D. Music] - *Got Money* *Lil Wayne Featuring T-Pain* Track from: Tha Carter III [Cash Money/Universal Motown] - *Superstar* *Lupe Fiasco Featuring Matthew Santos* Track from: The Cool [1st & 15th/Atlantic] Best rap song: if Lollipop wins it will be the worst grammy error since the gave the heavy metal award to Jethro Tull. Why was that piece of schlock even nominated? Superstar (Lupe Fiasco) or Swagga Like Us (Jay-Z, et al) would be great winners. Best rap album: American Gangster is Jay-Z's best work in years, and probably will win, although he still bores me. (Quit dusting dirt off your shoulder and get real, J) Tha Carter III is the best work that Lil Wayne will ever do and will the king of the mixed tape win an actual album award? The Cool by Lupe Fiasco is a strong contender. The real winner should be the most significant work which is Nas by Nas. For all the right reasons. Best musical work, and as always, Nas pushes the boundaries of our thinking. Best polka album: TexMex has joined the polkas! Paulino Bernal is a great fun choice! Three old school polka albums (Jimmy Sturr, Polka Family Band and Back to Back hall of Fame Polkas with groups that sound like a rap collaboration) and Speechless by Lynne Marie and Charlie Kelley as the Boxhounds. My heart is with th Boxhounds, my head is with bernal, but my feet are with Jimmy Sturr. Best comedy: please give it to Flight of the Conchords. Or Lewis Black. The others just aren't that funny, or funny at all. Best classical: I have heard none of them but the Brel fan in me says give it to Weill: Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny. Category 53: I list the category so that I will be believed that this category exists: Best rock or rap gospel album: Sanctus Real or TobyMac will be the fan fsvorites. I passed up chances to see both this year. The both have Jay-Z itis - dull and boring and doing the same thing over and over and over again. I have not heard it, but a gospel-rock-rap album named Rock What You Got by Superchick sounds like a winner to me! The rest of the gospel category: Cece and Bebe Winans are always worthy. Kirk Franklin has done nothing new in years, although it all is so good. Casting Crowns would be good for the gospel performance of the year but Take 6 would be a delightful winner in its category, as would After Edmund. For traditional (r&b) gospel, I was very happy to see Bishop Blake's No Limit nominated, performed by the West Angeles COGIC Mass Choir, and just because I love mass choirs, may it win! I agree with Joseph in Chapel Hill on his alternative musings and have nothing to add: I would have said much he same had I posted first. Beck is always good, Death Cab for Cutie I like more and more (and can the old people tell us where that name comes from???) but I'd go with My Morning Jacket from that list of nominees. For no real reason other than it is good alt. And it scares me that alt is getting fewer and fewer categories year by year. Anything real in rock these days happens in alt. The rest of rock is old people singing old songs in old ways being happy that old boomers buy old music recycled. So there you have it from the JMDL's only rap/polka/classical/gospel/alternative reporter. Vince ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 23:53:50 -0500 From: Vince Subject: Re: Grammy nominations and that Grammy concert - NJC Oh, and I forgot to comment: Taylor Swift I think her album choices are teenage-ish (but then, she is one) but then in concert she covers Lose Yourself and comments on the commonality of rap and country and you go back and listen to her sing again and other than the lyrics are teenaged kids issues - you hear that voice - that voice - Taylor Swift sees the connections of rap and country and has that marvelous, extrardinary voice - I look so forward to hearing her in years to come. Vince ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 23:21:23 -0800 From: "Cassy" Subject: Re: Grammy nominations and that Grammy concert - NJC - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Vince" <<< And here we note that Weezy (aka Lil Wayne) got more nominations than anyone else: nice the academy recognizes rap 25 years later than the rest of the world. Still would be adamn shame for Weezy to cop the awards that Eminem deserved. >>> I don't think you can feel cheated if Lil Wayne wins a Grammy. I think "Tha Carter III" is brilliant and not nominated against Eminem who I also think is brilliant but isn't being slighted by anyone else winning THIS year. One song on "Tha Carter III" that I can't get enough of is "Mr. Carter", it's so catchy and the CD is on my list of favorite releases this year. Who would have thought it? My son turned me onto this CD, I borrowed his car one day and Mr. Carter was the first thing I heard on the CD player... I played it over and over until I arrived at my destination. I asked him about it and he told me about his respect for Lil Wayne's ability to send a positive message and try to effect a change in attitude among the hip-hop/rap generation. I don't know whether I buy into all of it but I DO like the CD a lot. I also think Lil Wayne is being hyped a lot prior to the voting. Two special documentaries about him on VH1 last week and an appearance on Saturday Night Live a couple of weeks ago. He's certainly doing well. Cassy NP: Toad the Wet Sprocket - I Will Not Take These Things For Granted ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 23:25:29 -0800 From: "Cassy" Subject: Re: Grammy. NJC - ----- Original Message ----- From: <<< But i have Coldplay's Viva La Vida >>> Interestingly, this is another of my favorite CDs released this year, I LOVE "Violet Hill". Wow a flurry of discussion about CDs I really like. Cassy NP: Tim Buckley - Make It Right (talking about singers who defy their notoriously bad voices to be brilliant singers) ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Dec 2008 23:43:43 -0800 From: "Cassy" Subject: Re: From Bo/Lists and a belated message - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Peep Richman" <<< Just want to know...does anyone like Anna Nalick, India Arie, Craig Davis, Suzanne Vega?? How about Motown artists??? >>> Hi Bo, I grew up on Motown. In England when I was a teen it's what we danced to at the youth clubs while the US was listening to the Mersey beat. Regarding India Arie... WOW is how I feel about her. It was unfortunate that she and Alicia Keys were both nominated for new artist of the year Grammy in 2002! I think India Arie sings such positive messages, such as: "Strength Courage and Wisdom" Inside my head there lives a dream that I want to see in the sun Behind my eyes there lives a me that I've been hiding for much too long 'Cause I've been, too afraid to let it show 'Cause I'm scared of the judgment that may follow Always putting off my living for tomorrow It's time to step out on faith, I've gotta show my faith It's been illusive for so long, but freedom is mine today I've gotta step out on faith, It's time to show my faith Procrastination had me down but look what I have found, I found [Chorus] Strength, courage, and wisdom And it's been inside of me all along, Strength, courage, and wisdom Inside of me Behind my pride there lives a me, that knows humility Inside my voice there is a soul, and in my soul there is a voice But I've been, too afraid to make a choice 'Cause I'm scared of the things that I might be missing Running too fast to stop and listen It's time to step out on faith, I've gotta show my faith It's been illusive for so long but freedom is mine today I've gotta step out on faith it's time to show my faith Procrastination had me down but look what I have found, I found [Chorus] Strength, courage, and wisdom And it's been inside of me all along, Strength, courage, and wisdom Inside of me [Bridge] I close my eyes and I think of all the things that I want to see 'Cause I know, now that I've opened up my heart I know that Anything I want can be, so let it be, so let it be:. [Chorus] Strength, courage, and wisdom It's been inside of me all along, Strength, courage, wisdom It's been inside of me all along, everyday I'm praying for: [Chorus] Strength, courage, and wisdom To find me, yeah, Strength, courage, and wisdom Inside of me I found it in me, I found it finally I'm sure to keep it' cause I like it, I say thank you and: "Video" Sometimes I shave my legs and sometimes I don't Sometimes I comb my hair and sometimes I won't Depend of how the wind blows I might even paint my toes It really just depends on whatever feels good in my soul Chorus I'm not the average girl from your video And I ain't built like a supermodel But I learned to love myself unconditionally, Because I am a queen I not the average girl from your video My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes No matter what I'm wearing I will always be India.Arie When I look in the mirror and the only one there is me Every freckle on my face is where it's suppose to be And I know my creator didn't make no mistakes on me My feet, my thighs, my Lips, my eyes, I'm loving what I see Chorus Am I less of a lady if I don't where panty hose My momma said a lady ain't what she wears but what she knows. But I've drawn the conclusion, it's all an illusion Confusion's the name of the game A misconception, a vast deception, Something got to change Now don't be offended this is all my opinion Ain't nothing that I'm saying law This is a true confession Of a life learned lesson I was sent here to share with y'all So get in when you fit in Go on and shine Clear your mind Now's the time Put your salt on the shelf Go on and love yourself 'Cause everything's gonna be alright Chorus Out Keep your fancy drink, and your expensive minks I don't need that to have a good time Keep your expensive cars and your caviar All's I need is my guitar Keep your Crystale and your pistol I'd rather have a pretty piece of crystal Don't need you silicone, I prefer my own What god gave me is just fine. Chorus So if you made it this far and have never listened to India Arie, give her a chance, you might like what you hear. Cassy NP Dave Matthews - Waltzing Back ------------------------------ End of JMDL Digest V2008 #312 ***************************** ------- Post messages to the list by clicking here: mailto:joni@smoe.org Unsubscribe by clicking here: mailto:joni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe -------