Song of the Goehring Unit--2/16/10

Well, shoot, I missed 2/14! And I had a post planned out for it and all! ('Cause unlike everyone else who has given up on updating this blog, I have a supreme lack of a life.) Aaaaaaanyway, so here was the video I was planning to post:



For the day when everyone's being all lovey-dovey, this is an adorable, sweet song about a girl's devotion to her love. This is a cover of a song by John Spillane, sung by Méav Ní Mhaolchatha of Celtic Woman. Her voice is soft and mild, yet strangely powerful, quite fitting for this song.

And, since there are such a large number of great love songs out there, I'm not about to only recommend one! If you enjoyed One I Love, I recommend I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls, also sung by Méav, from the opera The Bohemian Girl. It's amazingly sweet and lovely! Or, if you're in a more philosophical mood, Orla Fallon (also of Celtic Woman) has a beautiful rendition of The Water is Wide.

Yes, I'm aware that 2/14 is also Singles Awareness Day (SAD). It was also Chinese New Year this year. So, to celebrate misfortune in love as well as being Chinese, here is a song by Theresa Teng
admonishing a faithless lover. Theresa Teng is one of the most famous Chinese singers. Ironically, her songs were banned during the Cultural Revolution for being too sappy and "not revolutionary enough," but that didn't stop people from secretly listening to them anyway. Today, try singing The Moon Represents My Heart (another pretty lovey-dovey song) and almost everyone in the general area who is Chinese will probably start from recognition. Irony, eh?

Song of the Goehring Unit--12/21/09

For the sake of having something holiday related, here's a lovely song brought to you by the amazing ladies of Celtic Woman:



Words cannot describe my awe at Celtic Woman. My only quibble with this song is that it's too short! I wish it went on for longer, it's so beautiful. Enjoy!

Song of the Goehring Unit--12/14/09

There is a quantum test tomorrow. And an It's Academic competition after school (Quizmaster Taping). Both are under the same teacher, who would probably be most displeased if I failed at either (but more so if I failed at it's ac). That being said, I will blatantly ignore that and post another song! Today I present to you Your Shadow by Lunascape. It is odd, really odd--but in a good way, at least in my opinion. If you're like me and you pay more attention to the video than to the music, though, my suggestion is that you listen to the song first without watching the video. Because the video is so weird it distracts from the interesting weirdness of the song itself.

Happy listening!

Song of the Goehring Unit--10/12/09

Never in a Million Years by Cara Dillon--This song just about sums up my relationship with a certain guy for a while.



Lyrics:
If you want me I'll be at your door
And if you need me I'll be by your side
'Cause every day is a long winding road
And I want you right here don't you know

I wonder why, I wonder why, I wonder why
I always try, I wonder why, I wonder why

Chorus:
Every time I look at you I feel the blues
Can't hide the pain inside
No one ever told me that my heart could break a hundred-thousand times
Never in a million years I thought that tears could break a heart of stone
If you need me let me know

Well, if you've got no one to give your heart to
And if you've searched and you can't find the truth
When they tell you this time to let go
Well, I'll always be here - don't you know

I wonder why, I wonder why, I wonder why

Chorus

Oh, nobody told me 'bout the wind and the trees
And the summer breeze and
You carry the weight of the world on your shoulders
And the light is slipping through
And I've seen the sun catching your eye
Like the moon in the sky

Every time I look at you I feel the blues
Can't hide the pain inside
No one ever told me that my heart could break a hundred-thousand times
And though you've never asked me to believe it's true

I've loved you from the start
Oh I've got to find a way to mend today
These wings that need to fly
No one ever told me that my heart could break a hundred-thousand times
Never in a million years I thought that tears could break a heart of stone
If you need me let me know

By the way, if you enjoyed this song, I would definitely recommend checking out some of Cara Dillon's other songs as well. Her sweet, lovely voice and the bittersweet songs make for an excellent combination. I particularly suggest Craigie Hill, There Were Roses, and Bonny Bonny.

Song of the Indefinite Time Period (which we will call the Goehring Unit)--9/23/09

So, when you're a responsible teenager (pfft, as if such a thing exists) and you have a huge, huge paper due in a few days, as well as a nice essay that may (but most likely won't) help you get a mere pittance of a scholarship, as well as forms to turn in and recommendations to secure, and everything must be done on pretty much the same day, which is about a week away, and you also have way too much homework to do in between (including a project or two that count for a substantial portion of your grade in that class), what do you do? Procrastinate, of course! By writing an inconsequential blog post with an overly long title and an even longer first sentence. A sentence so huge that undoubtedly if any former English teacher of mine is reading this, she must be weeping at its poor construction.

But I digress. I present to you, the first song recommendation of the school year, and probably the only one for a while to go. Now, once again, this song is one that must be described as relaxing. And if you think I pick too many of those, what did you expect? I actually wasn't exaggerating in the first sentence. Luckily this song is like a massage for the mind; it really helps to force out stress.

And so, before I go on even more tangents, I present to you the Green Island Serenade, sung by Vienna Teng. It's in Chinese, yes, but it is a lovely song nonetheless. And personally I find Vienna Teng's version particularly lovely. Traditionally Chinese songs tend to feature female vocals with exaggeratedly sweet voices, but Vienna's gentle, soothing voice really just fits this song much better.



Lyrics:

这绿岛像一只船
在月夜里摇呀摇

姑娘哟妳也在我的
心海里飘呀飘

让我的歌声随那微风
吹开了妳的窗帘

让我的衷情随那流水
不断地向妳倾诉

椰子树的长影
掩不住我的情意

明媚的月光
更照亮了我的心

这绿岛的夜已经
这样沉静

姑娘哟妳为什么
还是默默无语

Translation:
This green island, is like a boat
meandering through the moonlight.

Darling, you are
floating in the ocean of my heart.

Let the melody of my song follow the breeze,
blowing through your curtains.

Let my love go with the flowing water,
serenading you.

The coconut tree's long shadow
cannot hide my gentle love.

The clear bright moonlight
brightens my heart.

This green island night
appears so peaceful.

Darling, why are you
still silent?

Unfortunately, I think the English translation doesn't quite do the original lyrics justice. But that's life, I guess. There's actually an interesting story behind this lovely song, but I think this post is probably long enough. If you're interested, it can be found here: (link)

Until next time, then, dears!

Song--May 29,2009

Yargh. Stressful time. So many projects still to do and worry about before school is out. So many petty dramas making me feel tired and old. This song is how I unwind:



Anna Rose by Vienna Teng just may be one of the most soothing songs I've ever heard. In any case, whenever I'm particularly stressed, this is the one I put on. Vienna's voice is perfect for this song, and the lyrics are adorable. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the song.

Youtube Notables: Elton John and Musical Acts!

There's nothing more time-consuming than surfing Youtube. Here are some interesting videos:

Who doesn't enjoy Elton John? His music is awesome, he's a Knight Bachelor, and he's still standing!


The next thing that caught my attention is actually a clever and applaudable rendition of Maxwell's Silver Hammer by The Beatles. The act was performed by many of our own Magnet students during the 2009 Magnet Arts Night.


And here's Newground's animation of the same song: Caution! Not for the faint of heart xD

I've Been Getting Lazy...

Yeah, so I haven't been posting music features or It's Academic facts after I got back. I think I'll make the music a weekly/monthly thing instead of daily so I don't run out of songs too quickly. And there's that huge mound of homework staring at me angrily for procrastinating... *shifty eyes* As for the It's Academic facts, Eliz and I will work something out.

May 21, 2009--No Song Today

Too tired, and there's a genetics exam tomorrow. Sorry.

Song of the Day--May 20, 2009

Though doubtless it'll be May 21 by the time I submit, because I was busy getting the aforementioned Huck Finn essay in on time. For the same reason, I'm not going to comment much on the song: "Angel in the Dark" by Jade Redd. It's spooky. And pretty. Enough said.

Listen to it:

Song of the Day--May 19, 2009

Today I present to you a song both mysterious and exhilarating: "The Mummer's Dance" by Loreena McKennitt. McKennitt seems fond of long songs with repetitive melodies, and this one is no exception. But where some of her songs grow tedious, the repetitions for this one have enough subtle variations and interludes between verses to stay engaging. With its absolutely beautiful lyrics invoking the images of spring, tranquil yet bursting with life, and its strangely enthralling chorus that is both lovely and hypnotizing, Loreena McKennitt's lush, rich voice more than does the words justice.

Listen to it:


Lyrics:
When in the springtime of the year
When the trees are crowned with leaves
When the ash and oak, and the birch and yew
Are dressed in ribbons fair

When owls call the breathless moon
In the blue veil of the night
The shadows of the trees appear
Amidst the lantern light

Chorus
We've been rambling all the night
And some time of this day
Now returning back again
We bring a garland gay

Who will go down to those shady groves
And summon the shadows there
And tie a ribbon on those sheltering arms
In the springtime of the year

The songs of birds seem to fill the wood
That when the fiddler plays
All their voices can be heard
Long past their woodland days

(Chorus)

And so they linked their hands and danced
Round in circles and in rows
And so the journey of the night descends
When all the shades are gone

"A garland gay we bring you here
And at your door we stand
It is a sprout well budded out
The work of our Lord's hand"

(Chorus x2)

Nuts just got nuttier!

Nuts is making progress! It now has 3 official columns and several supporting columnists. They are:

• "Back Inside" reviews by The Raconteur and eatYourOats
• "Music Notables" by Diana and EmeraldTome
  
• "It's Academic!" by Ozymandias, et. al.
  

"Back Inside" features reviews of the movies and television shows both new and old.

"Music Notables" showcases eclectic music of all genres.

"It's Academic!" provides daily trivia to keep you on your toes.

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Song of the Day--May 18, 2009

Today, I get to combine two of my favorite things: good music and mythology. For those of you familiar with Arthurian legend, you will remember that Mordred is Arthur's son by his half-sister Morgauss. He is the one who is fated to bring the fall of Camelot. Morgauss is a bitter woman who is constantly after Arthur's throne. Now, against that backdrop, I present today's song of the day: "Mordred's Lullaby" by Heather Dale. Heather Dale's amazing vocals are hypnotic and bitter at the same time, making this a powerful song that invokes well the hatred, the passion, and the tragedy behind the legend. Unfortunately it doesn't mention the utter kick-ass magical powers of Morgauss, but I digress.

Listen to it (lyrics included in video):

It's Ac Fact and Song of the Day--May 17, 2009

Today's It's Academic fact of the day:
The world is round.
Just kidding! Here's the real fact. The structure of DNA was discovered in 1953 by Watson and Crick. They received the Nobel prize in physiology for it 9 years later, in 1962. What few people know is that they in fact shared their Nobel prize with a fellow scientist named Maurice Wilkins.

Today's song is "The Dove's Return" by Aine Minogue. It has no words. It features a beautiful harp melody with Aine's lovely, soft voice humming along. This may be one of the most calming songs I've heard, and yet it doesn't get boring thanks to the variation in the melody. There's a very cliched saying that "music calms the beast within." This song is one that very well could tame any creature, whether an inner beast or otherwise.
Listen to it:

More Music

I'm designating myself the music recommender/reviewer/whatever person, since I don't even update my own blog so I need some motivation to update this one. Today's song is "O'er the Hills and Far Away" by Connie Dover. It has an excellent, lively rhythm, and Connie Dover's voice is at once piercing and rich. It tells the story of Jocky, a piper's son, and his (what else?) unrequited love for Jenny.

Listen to it:


Lyrics (from Connie Dover's site):

Jocky met with Jenny fair
Between the dawning and the day
But Jocky now is full of care
Since Jenny stole his heart away

Although she promised to be true
She proven has, alack, unkind
The which does make poor Jocky rue
That e'er he loved a fickle mind

Jocky was a bonny lad
That e'er was born in Scotland fair
But now poor lad he does run mad
Since Jenny causes his despair.

Young Jocky was a piper's son
He fell in love when he was young
And all the tunes that he could play
Was O'er the Hills and Far Away

Chorus
And it's o'er the hills and far away
It's o'er the hills and far away
It's o'er the hills and far
The wind has blown my plaid away

He sang when my first my Jenny's face
I saw she seemed so full of grace
With mickle joy my heart was filled
That's now alas with sorrow killed

Oh were she but as true as fair
'T would put an end to my despair
Instead of that she is unkind
And waivers like the winter wind.

(Chorus)

Hard was my hap to fall in love
With one that does so faithless prove
Hard my fate to court a maid
Who has my constant heart betrayed

Since she is false whom I adore
I'll never trust a woman more
From all their charms I'll flee away
And on my pipes I'll sweetly play.

Because I can, and if I can, I must (according to Mogge)

So, I thought I'd share a few little amusements... for no other reason than the fact that I like videos and words and music and suchlike.

First of all, Taylor Mali. This guy is awesome. He does these poem/speech thingies that are super and wonderful. Like The Impotence of Proofreading , Like, You Know, and What Teachers Make. Yeah.

I really like music (rock, folk, Celtic, awesomeness) so... I guess I'll pick a band to feature... Crosby, Stills, and Nash. Awesome rock group with a sort of folksiness. Their songs are very calm and often quite deep. Faves: Southern Cross (w/ lyrics), Suite: Judy Blue Eyes (from Woodstock) , and I guess.. Cathedral . It's not my favorite but I couldn't find a good version of Carry On/Questions.

Also, I really like Billy Joel. He's awesome. The voice is incredible. So, this song, and this one, and that also. That's all for now.

Ever find a song...

...that you just can't stop listening to? Just recently I re-discovered the song "Cad E' Sin Don Te Sin" and have been listening to it obsessively ever since. This version, by Orla Fallon, is just absolutely lovely, despite the repetitiveness of the song, perhaps because of the gentle and lovely quality of her voice. You can listen to it here.

Lyrics (from getalyric.com):

Chuaigh mé 'un aonaigh 's dhíol mé mo bhó

Ar chúig phunta airgid 's ar ghiní bhuí óir

Má ólaim an t-airgead is má bhronnaim an t-ór

Ó caide sin don té sin nach mbaineann sin dó?



Má théim 'na choilleadh chraobhaigh 'cruinniú sméara nó cnó

A baint ullaí do ghéaga nó a buachailleacht bó

Má shínim seal uaire faoi chrann a dhéanamh só

Ó caide sin don té sin nach mbaineann sin dó?



Má théimse chuig airnéal 's rince 's spórt

Chuig aonaigh nó rásaí, 's gach cruinniú den tseoirt

Má bhíonn daoine súgach, 's má bhím súgach leo

Ó caide sin don té sin nach mbaineann sin dó?



Deir daoine go bhfuil mé gan rath is gan dóigh

Gan earraí, gan éadal, gan bólacht nó stór

Ach má tá mise sásta mo chónaí i gcró

Ó caide sin don té sin nach mbaineann sin dó?



Chuaigh mé 'un aonaigh 's dhíol mé mo bhó

Ar chúig phunta airgid 's ar ghiní bhuí óir

Má ólaim an t-airgead is má bhronnaim an t-ór

Ó caide sin don té sin nach mbaineann sin dó?



TRANSLATION

I went to the market and traded my cow

For five pounds in money and a gold guinea coin

If I drank all the money and my gold I did share

Since it's no one's concern, then so no one should care



If I go to the green woods wild berries to store

Plucking apples from bowers or herding the cows

If I relax in the shade for an hour or more

Since it's no one's concern, then so no one should care



If I go to the céilís, to dances or sports

Attend markets and races and events of that sort

If I see people merry and their merriment share

Since it's no one's concern, then so no one should care



People are saying I'm a cad gone astray

Without goods or possessions, no cow and no care

If it's my own desire to live in a craw

Since it's no one's concern, then so no one should care



I went to the market and traded my cow

For five pounds in money and a gold guinea coin

If I drank all the money and my gold I did share

Since it's no one's concern, then so no one should care