Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts

Friday, 26 June 2009

Michael Jackson Has Died

I thought I would blog this news, as it breaks. Michael Jackson, pop music icon, has died. He was fifty years old.

An American news article about Jackson's death: Pop Star Michael Jackson Has Died At UCLA Medical Center After Cardiac Arrest - kdka.com. It's been all over TV and The Internet.

It's just sad. I have my own cool memories of listening to MJ's music, when I was a little bit younger. I was a huge fan, in my early school years! Albums like Dangerous, Bad, and Thriller are well-loved classics, which continue to sell in huge numbers. The concert tours were epic, and his music videos were trail-blazing.

Jackson made a huge impact on music and pop culture. If you know anything about the popular music (or popular culture) of the last few decades -- you'll know of Michael Jackson.

There are lots of other things one could say about Michael Jackson... but you can make up your own mind!

Monday, 30 March 2009

Cross-promotion: new blog!

I'm letting everyone know that I've started to write a new blog. It's about my life; and interests other than music. Since I decided to focus on music here, the posts about politics and whatever else don't seem to fit.

I've named it 'All or Nothing', because it's about life; which is all about little things and big things.

I hope those who read this will come to see my new 'work'! And, of course, stay right here for more music.

Link: click here

Pass it on!

Tuesday, 3 March 2009

Stay tuned, folks!

Hello, ladies and gentlemen. After a prolonged stay in hospital, I am back home! Unfortunately, I never know how long these 'medical excursions' will take, or how long it will be before I'm back to my former strength. I was fairly unwell. So, you may need to allow me the occasional, unexplained, absence.

This note is just to say that I have several posts in the works... watch this space! There's always fresh music (and life) to talk about. It will just take time.

Be well.

Thursday, 8 January 2009

Connecting!

A good 2009, to ye!

I have some news:

I have re-designed my old MySpace page; for anyone who wants to 'connect' that way. I may post a (handy) Links section to side-of-screen. (Then, it is all accessible...) I'm not one hundred per cent sure what I'll do.

Anyhow, I wanted to make the link available to you, for starters! It is something to do -- while my illness continues to cause me some major difficulties. It has not been an easy time! I am attempting to be as easy on myself, as I possibly can.

Take care.

Saturday, 15 November 2008

Drummer Mitch Mitchell found dead

Hendrix drummer Mitch Mitchell found dead - CNN.com

It is my sad duty to report the news that John 'Mitch' Mitchell, the pioneering drummer for The Jimi Hendrix Experience, has passed away. As the name of the group suggests, The Experience was a huge part of Hendrix's initial explosion onto the music scene. He was also a child-actor.

Some have suggested that the musicians with whom Hendrix surrounded himself provided only a backdrop for his musical creativity, that is a dubious statement to make. Jimi had an ability to surround himself with fantastic musicians. Mitch was no exception! He was jazz-influenced drummer, inspired by Elvin Jones with an aggressive, poly-rhythmic style. they think I am correct in saying, that Mitch played with Hendrix more consistently than any other musician. from the formation of the Experience in 1966, until the original lineup parted company in 1969; then, with the reformation of The Experience (with bassist Billy Cox) in 1970.

Of course, Hendrix died in September of 1970. You may notice that I speak about Hendrix's career, and those around him, with relative ease. I write about this because I want to.

Mitch played in an extended lineup with Hendrix, at the Woodstock festival. He had a really intense approach to his instrument and contributed a jazz flavour to the music of Hendrix, and others.

Following Hendrix's death, Mitch has been keeping a much lower profile. Although, he has worked with numerous other musicians, after 1970. Mitchell sometimes worked in production capacity, as well. He had done much to keep the legacy of his friend, Jimi, alive. He participated in many tours, along with other musicians who had worked with Hendrix, during his lifetime. In fact, that's what he had been doing, around the time of his death. He was found dead in his hotel room, at the age of 62.

Mitchell was the last surviving member of the original Jimi Hendrix Experience; bassist Noel Redding died in 2003. The second lineup is sometimes referred to as the 'Cry of Love' band.

There is much that could be said about Mitch, and his contribution to music... but the music speaks for itself. You will be sorely missed, Mitch!

Friday, 10 October 2008

2008 campaign trail. American politics... McCain

The Republican bid for the 2008 US election, is rather frightening. At least, in my opinion. I am not an American, and I am happy to say that I don't know as much about American politics, as those who study it. Although I am not a political expert, I have been following it quite closely.

So far, I am a staunch Obama supporter. He seems to have the attitude, the youth, and the policies to bring about some very positive changes. He is an eloquent speaker, a seemingly likeable person, and an intelligent man. Some of his speeches have been amazing!

I have nothing but respect for John McCain, as a person. He is tough, a war hero, intelligent; and someone who stands up for what he believes is right. From policy standpoint, however, we disagree. I don't think I could ever stand behind someone so politically conservative. I have a feeling that, if John McCain were to succeed in his presidential bid -- it would be George W. Bush's policies, all over again. Even for someone who doesn't live in America, that is a big deal! Change is important!


Also, there is John McCain's Vice President candidate, Governor Sarah Palin. Staunchly right wing, she is fiercely pro-life and an avid game hunter. I'm presenting this, so that you can make of it what you will. I don't intend to be overly critical of politically-conservative America. Sarah Palin certainly seems to be attracting a lot of public attention, though. Every political issue is approached with the same kind of benign, folksy charm... It is a little scary. The Governor from Alaska is against abortion, even in cases of rape, or incest. That is more than a little frightening.

Then, there is the fact that a great deal of what she says does not make sense, in a political context. It would be perfectly okay, if Palin weren't running for the second-highest office in the United States. The amusing thing is that she seems to be stealing, inadvertently, much of the spotlight from McCain. What's more, she cannot recall one single newspaper, which she reads on a regular basis. It is one of many examples of these kinds of occurrences.

There is more to be said... maybe next time.

Stay tuned.