Things that make me happy: pop

Showing posts with label pop. Show all posts

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Things that make me happy... Michael Jackson: Immortal World Tour by Cirque Du Soleil

Things that make me happy... Michael Jackson: Immortal World Tour by Cirque Du Soleil

First of all... this is an a$$ kicking rock concert! Better than U2 360 tour. I said it.

Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour by Cirque Du Soleil is one of the best shows touring this season. It is a must for any true MJ fan. The music is excellent. The dancing phenomenal. And the best part... you can feel MJ presence during the show. This show will probably be on tour forever since MJ music is timeless and this living tribute is a proper way to keep his music alive.

The show features over 25 MJ songs including hits like Man in the Mirror, ABC, and Dangerous. There are 24 acts featuring signature Cirqe du Soleil performances like dance numbers, pole dancing, acrobats, and ring acts. But these acts are set to MJ music which is the true star of the show. Besides the music the lighting, choreography, and general showmanship is probably the best on stage today. Period!

So everyone knows that Michael was one of the best performers to ever grace the stage. So you can imagine what would happen if you fill the stage with dancers inspired by the greatest ever.? Credit must be given to the Mime that stars in the show and the one legged dance (yes, and he really is amazing). The director and writer, Jamie King, is owed much of the credit for putting together this show. His previous shows included Britney Spears, Rihanna, and Madonna (so if you ever seen a Madonna show you know this director got skills).

The Trailer

Backstage Video...

This show was definitely money well spent. Some of the favorite acts include Human Nature with night sky backed ariel artist. Also the beat it performance is cleverly done... featuring the "Glove' and the "socks and shoes". "Don't care about us" touches the heart and "Earth song" is one of the highlights of the night. You will get more than your money worth in entertainment and when you see Michael appear out of no where for the last time... say your proper goodbyes to the Man in the Mirror. :)

Pros
1. MJ Music is some of the best on the planet. The sound system is awesome.
2. The performers... from the sexy upright base player, to the one legged hip hop dancer to all the high aire acrobatics... The integration of the circus acts and dancing is done beautifully.
3. The overall lighting and fireworks are some of the best I have ever seen in a live show.

Cons
1. The show is being featured in large arenas... and although they do have large screens seats closer to the act might be worth it if you have the cash. But every seat is good enough cause the music and show is that good.
2. There is no way to play all of MJ hits, but with over 25 they do it justice.

Don't worry if you miss the show when it comes to your town. I bet there will be an HBO type special at some point and the live show (a must see) will make its home in Vegas in 2013 for at least 4 years. Go ahead and plan those trip to Vegas and move over Selene Dion... your days are numbered!

http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/michael-jackson-tour/

S.F. Guru

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Things that make me happy... Dar Williams, Singer-Songwriter

Dar Williams is a pop folk, singer-songwriter that is noted as one of the best by the New Yorker and to many music fans. Seeing Dar Williams is must for any true live folk music fan. She is a funny and witty entertainer and her song intros are both affectionately personal and entertaining. She is native of the NYC area and play live shows and small local spots when not on tour.

Although born Dorothy, Dar picked up her name from as a child from her family while growing up in a Suburban New York city. Her music is definitely newer version of 70s folk rock music in the spirit of Joan Baez, Shawn Colvin, and Ani DiFranco. A true artist that has been know to discover songs in her dreams. Dar has been very prolific with 20+ year career with over 12 albums. With the explosion of singer song writer types of the past 10 years, Dar Williams continues to produce music and generate a strong cult following at her shows. Her next album is "In the Times of Gods' is due out in April 2012.

The Christians and Pagans (live)

As cool as I can

It's all right

The Christian and the Pagan (video)

Pros
1. Lots of cool tunes... folksy and witty (Favorite song The Christian and the Pagan
2. She is a great entertainer. gotta love a woman that can make you laugh between hippy chick songs (that's a compliment)
3. Next album about greek mythology and stuff... will be interesting to say the least!

Cons
1. If Lady Gaga has "little monsters", Dar Williams may have "little swingers"... Go see her show and tell me what you think... just saying. lol.

If you are looking for a good show and really good pop folk music check out of one of Dar Williams. Go ahead... check out something different and off the charts (literally and figuratively.)

S.F. Guru

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Things that make me happy... Whitney Houston - The Voice

Saturday Feb 11 2012, 48 years old Whitney Houston, passed away after making her mark as one of the greatest singers of any generation. Words cannot begin to describe the mark she made on music. The number one hits. The mega concerts. The acting, singing, and now producing career. She has influenced many of the top artist alive today and will continue to influence many more through her music for years to come.

The best way to remember Whitney is through her music. Here are a few of top videos and some classic interviews.