Saturday, July 19, 2008

The Future is Unwritten-DVD Documentary

Julien Temple, one of the early documentarians of the London punk scene and director of the 2000 Sex Pistols film The Filth and the Fury, turns his attention now to that other seminal British band: The Clash--or more accurately, to the band's co-founder, lyricist, rhythm guitarist and lead singer, Joe Strummer. The Future is Unwritten is more than just a biography of Strummer; it is a tribute and exploration of a musician, artist and devoted humanist. Though Temple respects and admires Strummer (his influence is exalted by close friends, peers and fans like Bono and John Cusack), he doesn't romanticize this larger-than-life personality and presents Strummer honestly and not always in flattering light, though the director's fondness for his subject is constant. Most movingly, Strummer himself provides the narration via reassembled excerpts from a variety of interviews and the BBC radio show he hosted during the nineties. In the wrong hands, this could be contrived, but in this masterful documentary it serves as a testament to not just Joe Strummer the myth, but Joe Strummer the man, telling us his story in vivid detail. The Future is Unwritten is a moving and personal portrait of a musician who helped shaped not just punk, but modern music as a whole. --Kira Canny
Customer Review: Amazing movie about a rock legend
There have been several movies made about Joe Strummer but Julien Temple's is unique in its personal touch. Temple was a friend of Strummer's for many years and so had insight into the man behind the music that many people did not have. The movie consists of Joe's life story as told by many friends, acquaintances, fellow artists and others who knew him or were influenced by him over the years. Amazing music, very well put-together, and just a great story about a man who was a huge influence on rock & roll and politics during his time on this earth. Joe was taken from the world too early when he died unexpectedly in December 2002 and after watching this movie one can only wonder what more he would have accomplished. The opening scene of Joe singing "White Riot" a capella in the studio is complemented by the closing scene of Joe and Mick Jones reuniting on stage 20+ years later to perform the same song...even though they were old (and Mick a little bald!) they still ROCKED. If you like the Clash, you must see this movie!!


Music is an important part of the
celebration of your marriage. Throughout history, music has been used for
weddings to bring the community together with sounds and rhythms that have the
power to surpass age and status buriers, uniting everyone in support of your
marriage.

When choosing music for your wedding (in addition to your personal preferences)
its important to consider the musical tastes and desires of your guests. A good
point to consider is that your wedding (reception and/or ceremony) is an
opportunity for you to give back to your guests for their participation and
support, so choose a musical selection that will appeal the most to your guests.

Music is also a great stress reliever or ice breaker because it helps people
to relax and transition from what is often a very formal situation to an
environment where people can express themselves more fully.

There are 2 general types of music available for a modern wedding, they are:

1) A DJ

2) Live Musicians

A DJ (which stands for Disk Jockey) is a person who plays CDs through a sound
system at your reception and provides stage lighting for additional effect. The
advantage to hiring a DJ is that they are typically less expensive than live
musicians, and you can have all the songs that you want played for your
reception.

The disadvantages to hiring a DJ are that the music can sometimes seem a bit
generic or un-lively, and may be inappropriate for your ceremony. Some people
may also feel that DJ music is cheesy or uninteresting due to the lack of
musical flexibility and depending on the DJs individual approach - you may or
may not want to have them emcee for the reception.

Hiring live musicians is the other option you have for your wedding music. This
is typically more expensive and may involve a bit more planning than a DJ, but
can be a very uplifting resource for you and your wedding guests.

How do you envision your wedding reception? Do you want to dance with your
guests or are you intend to have a more subdued event? If you dont want
dancing, you may choose classical or jazz musicians to entertain - This could
include a string quartet, a harpist, pianist or any other type of soloist.
(Soloists are often the first choice for wedding ceremonies as well).

If you DO intend for there to be dancing as a part of your wedding celebration
theres nothing better for this than a live dance band! The advantage to hiring
a live band for your reception is that there is a certain synergy that occurs
when live musicians perform together that cannot be achieved with a DJ, and live
musicians can are also able to adapt to the vibe of the room playing faster,
slower, louder or softer depending on the preferences of you and your guests.

Skilled wedding musicians can also allow for members of the wedding party to participate by singing along or joining in with the band. This can add a great
deal of value to your wedding reception by creating the great Kodak Moments
that everyone will remember for years and years to come.

Take your time and consider the options carefully. Use the internet to research
your options and look in local wedding trade journals for musician and DJ
listings before you hire. Make a list of questions and concerns that you may
have and ask them of your perspective entertainers.

Your wedding day is YOUR DAY make it great with music that compliments
the theme and emotion that you want reflected at your wedding.

Donovan Kovar is the president and booking manager forGreatLiveMusic.com - Providing Professional, High Quality Musical Entertainment For Weddings In Minnesota And Surrounding Areas. VisitGreatLiveMusic.com for more information.

dance music 2007

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