Thursday, February 13, 2014

Musical Artist Review: Stefan Richards

https://soundcloud.com/chipchoon
The British music scene has given us a multitude of iconic singers, whether solo or in groups.  Most notable are the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who.  Obviously, It is no secret that Britain is full of talented vocal acrobats.  So, there are probably quite a few that you may have never heard of.  One of those amazing artists is Stefan Richards, who I have had the chance to get to know pretty well over the past few years.

Stefan is an amazing person, with a heart as generous as a dream about the sun in spring. He has overcome the obstacles of life and developed himself into an amazing teacher of Music and English.

If you were to ask Stefan what music means to him, he might respond by saying "Music is my refuge. I can crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to solitude."  I think many of us that are music fans would believe the same, yet I feel it has a much deeper meaning to him.
 

  

"Find Your Place" is one of his original songs, and quite possibly one of my favorites.  However, if you head over to his Youtube Channel, you will be able to listen to the soothing sounds of his many covers.  There is just something about his voice that massages the musical vibrations that exhale from his lips that makes the songs new and fresh.

While you are checking him out on Youtube, be sure to subscribe to him so you don't miss out on any new material he posts.  Also, make sure you leave him a comment to show your support.

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Review: The String Arcade, a collection of video game music arranged for string quartet

http://www.alamedamusicproject.org/string-arcade-project.html
Video games have always been a passion of mine.  There is just something about the immersion into the story line, framing of the visuals, and sensual caress of the symphonies contained within.  I know that early games on consoles such as Atari and Nintendo did not exactly contain what we would consider symphonic melodies.  That is where the imagination comes to play.

The String Arcade, a collection of video game music arranged for string quartet, takes everything I imagined the gaming music from yesteryear, and a few recent compositions as well, and translates them into exactly what I heard as a child, and still hear today.

To hear a sample if the music, head over to their Soundlcoud page and listen to the soothing sounds of Plants Vs. Zombies from the String Arcade.

"The String Arcade, a collection of video game music arranged for string quartet. 100% of the sales generated from this release go towards a new, after school, K-5 classical music program (alamedamusicproject.org). Presales start on January 28th, 2014 and the album drops on Feb 11th."

Although the actual CD does not release until February 11th,  you can pre-order your copy now by visiting their project page.  I have listened to each and every track multiple times, on repeat, and am completely in love with this project.  I know you will be too!



Friday, February 7, 2014

DVD Review: Regular Show: Mordecai & Margaret Pack

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GZ0ML1K?tag=httpesselprbl-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B00GZ0ML1K&adid=0337Z64DAR516QWTNMWC
I confess.  I am a big kid.  I am not ashamed.  I do not regret it.  Pare of being a big kid is my insane love for all things cartoon.  When I can find a cartoon that is not only funny and entertaining, but also has an intellectual undertone, I am hooked forever!  Regular Show is one of those such cartoons. 

Regular Show: Mordecai & Margaret pack has all of your favorite episodes featuring the two colorful birds, and is sure to put a smile on your face. 

Regular Show: Mordecai & Margaret is not available until February 11, 2014, but that shouldn't stop you from pre-ordering your copy now

Valentine's day is fast approaching, so go ahead and pre-order now, get it on Valentine's Day, snuggle on the couch with your significant other, spend a romantic night watching your favorite Regular Show episodes featuring Mordecai and Margaret!  You won't regret the decision.

Episode List:
1)caffeinated Concert Tickets
2)It's Time
3)Muscle Woman
4)Do Me a Solid
5)Cruisin'
6)Yes dude Yes
7)Access Denied
8)Fancy Restaurant
9)Diary
10)Bad Kiss
11)T.G.I.Tuesday
12)Do or Diaper
13)Picking Up Margaret
14)Meteor Moves
15) Family BBQ
16)Steak Me Amadeus

and, a special never before seen clip from the season finale!