Year: 2008

Unlikely Queens of Country

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Okay, I’ve written a bit about the MEN of country music, but there are quite a few talented singers/writers/performers who are WOMEN!  Reba, as we all know, is a star known ALL over the world (music/film/TV), as are Shania Twain and Faith Hill.  I saw Faith WAAAAY back in 1993 when she was touring w/ Alan Jackson!  She had her big, long wavy hair and wore black, elegant dresses back then.  Now on to two other GREAT voices (and luckily- beauties) in country… 

Lorrie Morgan

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Confident, glamorous, and more talented AND beautiful than BOTH Shania and Faith, Lorrie Morgan has deep, rich, powerful vocals.  She was truly a classy, feminine star in ’90s country- someone who was powerful AND vulnerable at the same time.  Even my “I’m not into country music” lil sis said she was cool!  Her image- clothes, hair, demeanor didn’t scream out “Hey, country singer here!”so she appealed to the masses (ppl who were NOT always country fans).  No padded/sequined gowns or big hair needed to accentuate her talent.    

It’s TOO bad that Lorrie is known to most ppl b/c of her relationships w/ various “high profile” men (like Troy Aikmen and former congressman from TN, Fred Thompson).  Wow, she could’ve had a shot at being First Lady (the hottest one) if that had lasted! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwFsjOK96BA (I Didn’t Know My Own Strength)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6h5D-Ed03E (Watch Me)

Tanya Tucker

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Wow, it’s so weird to relaize that this GORGEOUS singer will turn 50 this year!  She is one of my dad’s faves, and has been a success for a LONG time- a rare kid singer who grew more popular with age.  Though born in TX, she spent most of her formative years in AZ (like me!)  Her parents nurtured her talent; several of her songs are about the importance of a solid marriage and close family life. 

Tanya’s smoky voice is truly the “voice of experience” in country music.  She combines country and rock, but maintains a balance (enabling her to reach ppl who may not be HUGE fans of “traditional” country).  She has her own label nowadays, and will release new stuff later this year!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3SfcANH-9A (Go waaaay back in time- a v. young Tanya sings her 1st hit, Delta Dawn re: middle-aged woman who is STILL waiting for her only- looong gone- love)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUsyHVjacJ0 (Two Sparrows in a Hurricane– my dad loves this song dedicated to her parents; she looks AMAZING in this vid!!!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-197v5Ioow (Little Things: a more recent song)

Jackson Hts FINALLY has a Starbucks!!!

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I ALMOST could not believe it… BUT we have a Starbucks (brand new, roomy) in my ‘hood of Jackson Hts.  After almost 3 yrs of me waiting… ang hoping… and complaining- I got one of my VERY own!  YAAAY!!!   

Here is the location:

78-25 37th Avenue
Jackson Heights, Queens

Maybe I will see YOU there…

My Favorite (Not-So-Famous) Singers

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My sister asked me a while back if I STILL listen to country music (like I did as a teen).  Well, why the heck not!?  To me, it’s the BEST kind of music out there (esp. the ’80s and ’90s).  I wince when I see the music vids (on CMT) a LOTTA ppl are doing these days, BUT they are usu not PURE country singers.  They think outlandish hats, tight clothes, and over-the-top cleavage can draw attention from the fact that you have no talent- LOL!  What I mean by that is, they do NOT have clear voices, natural gifts, and simple songs that the greats in the country music world have.  These singers are timeless: Reba, George Strait, Randy Travis, and my first musical obsession- Alan Jackson.  Their names and music will live on for a LONG time to come…   

There are 3 (not-so-famous) singers that I esp. liked growing up: John Berry, Paul Brandt, and Neal McCoy.  It boggles my mind why they don’t have billions, but they are UNDENIABLY talented!   

John Berry

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John Berry, born in SC and raised in Atlanta, has a voice quite unlike most country singers b/c it has a DISTINCT gospel edge to it.  His mother was a big fan of gospel and soul.  He also writes a lot of his own stuff, and records his work independently (therefore giving him creative freedom that ALL artists want).  When I listen to a John Berry song, it comes across as very pure, honest, and emotional.  He is a “low key” personality, but has GREAT range to his voice- just listen and judge! 

This song showcases his range:

Standing On The Edge Of Goodbye

This is his most famous song; it was ranked in the top 10 in it’s day:

Your Love Amazes Me

Paul Brandt 

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Can a skinny, baby-faced guy from Canada be a BIG country talent?  Totally, yes!  Paul Brandt, a former pediatric nurse from our northen nabe, is a singer/songwriter based in Alberta.  As you may know, country has always been king in Canada.  The range in his voice is great- he does a variety of songs effortlessly.  His first 2 albums are hands-down FANTASTIC! 

A Little In Love (great up-tempo song w/ fun wordplay):

I Do (popular “modern” country classic):

Neal McCoy

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Neal McCoy is from small-town Texas, but w/ an Irish (father) and Filipino (mother); his real last name is McGoyne.  He is known as a great performer onstage- big grin, loves dancing, and relating well to audiences.  He was influenced as a kid by Charley Pride (a V famous African-American country singer from the ’60s and ’70s).  Neal has a great knack for choosing songs which suit his voice and (outgoing) personality. 

If I Was a Drinkin’ Man (soundcheck):

On of my fave songs (of all time)- his first #1 song:

No Doubt About It (LIVE):

Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye  (official music vid):

They’re Playing Our Song (official music vid):

Wink (Opry performance):

A cute interview about his visit to the White House:

Movie Review: “The Sting”

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Redford in tux and trench- WOW!!!  Sigh…

I just saw this 1973 buddy/crime movie today for the 1st time.  This film has a lot of twists and turns, but it’s basically about con men (in Chicago) who are trying to get revenge for the (unnecessary) death of an old friend, and making a LOT of cash.  The ending is VERY unexpected!

The draw was (of course) Paul Newman and Robert Redford.   I would watch them read the dictionary.  Frankly, I don’t think it’s FAIR to have two amazing, super-hot actors (like these guys) in ONE film b/c the audience doesn’t know who to look at when they’re in a scene together!

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It’s a fun film w/ upbeat music (from 1930s period) and great costumes (esp. those worn by Redford).  He looks GORGEOUS (as usual) and has terrific chemistry w/ Newman (who acts as a mentor in the film).  Redford has a lot of running, jumping, and hiding to do in this film, which is fun.

Below is a shirtless pic of Redford.  (Who wouldn’t want to see him shirtless!?)

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Jimmy Stewart

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Today most of us Americans look to actors like Tom Hanks, Denzel Washinton, & Meg Ryan as our “American” iconic actors.  These actors are able to reach WIDE audiences all over the world.  Back in the ’40s and ’50s, the quintessential American actor was (no doubt) Jimmy Stewart.  He was tall, thin, plain-spoken, w/ a noticeable Midwestern accent.  Could’ve been the guy next door… but the camera LOVED him!

When ppl asked him about his great success, he said:

I don’t act. I react.  [Listening is one of the KEY factors in acting!]

I couldn’t mess around with the characterizations. I play variations on myself.  [Many of today’s stars succeed b/c of their likeability.]

I’m the inarticulate man who tries. I don’t really have all the answers, but for some reason, somehow, I make it.  [He was known as a shy, humble guy.]

My mom esp. liked Vertigo & Rear Window, BUT I like The Philadelphia Story above those films.  Stewart got to have the typical leading man role, even though he was NOT the “typical” romantic hero.  Mike (the reporter he plays) is prejudiced against, and v. cynical towards, the aristocracy until he begins to learn more about Tracy (Katherine Hepburn) while covering her wedding.  They ALMOST get too close…

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In the pic above, Stewart looks glamorous (unusual for his films).  The dialogue in The Philadelphia Story is fun, fast, and v. clever.  It’s not just a classic rom com, it delves into rels. btwn social classes (Tracy’s marriage would unite her old family name w/ a nouveax riche man; Mike published a book of short stories, but that didn’t pay the bills), fairness (Mike’s boss wants to publish a revealing story about Tracy’s father), and women’s place (Tracy says she doesn’t want to be put on a pedestal, but loved.)  It’s one of my ALL-TIME faves!