Singing Out Loud - Five on Friday

Five Music related Musings, just in time for Five on Friday

Hello and Adele…..Released two weeks ago, everyone is buzzing about the Adele’s new recording in over 4 years. I was immediately drawn to the melancholy, the yearning lyrics, and the timbre of her voice in the haunting melody. Adele’s music pulls out emotions and paints a story of the time you were experiencing exactly the same situation and feelings. Emotions sell songs and this one is no different.
I only have one qualm about the song – it is missing a bridge. You know, the transitional ditty that connects the second refrain to the refrain’s reprise. OK, I’m sure most people don’t even notice…


Sounds Like Me and Waitress….. Sara Bareilles is back on the scene with a triple play – a book, a Broadway musical and new album. I’ve already read the book - a memoir that reads like her songs - totally relatable and down to earth, like a high school friend. She reveals her insecurities, how she grapples with her self-image, and the foibles (good and bad) while maneuvering the music industry landscape known for creating a “commercial artist” instead of fostering authenticity. She's a reminder that even the uber talented and successful people in this world are fallible, imperfect beings facing the same life difficulties as the rest of us. Her album “What’s Inside: Songs From Waitress” hits stores today. I’ve already downloaded the song She Used to Be Mine. And if somehow a trip to NYC drops in my lap, I’ll do my best to catch Waitress: A New Musical on Broadway

Photograph and Ed Sheeran ……. In September I had the opportunity to see Ed Sheeran in concert. The outdoor venue was close to Chicago on a balmy, perfect fall evening. We bought lawn seat tickets on sale (a mere $20 bucks) and managed to secure a decent view of the stage (arriving early does make a difference). Even though most of my exposure to the goofy, ginger artist has been his mainstream (read: for commercial consumption) stuff, I knew that his show would not be a pre-packaged regurgitation of his radio presence.


I was right - his performance was amazing. I appreciate artists who allow their music to breathe and flow differently with each performance- that's the beauty of live music. It is always changing. Sheeran mans the stage completely alone yet creates the sound of a full band - he achieves this through the use of recording and playback equipment right on stage. He lays down each layer (percussion, bass line) recording it live then continuously looping it back and singing over the layers. The concert was amazing, with tons of energy from the stage and the huge crowd. Towards the end, after darkness revealed an inky, starry sky, the stage lights dimmed and Ed asked us to turn on our cell phone flashlights. The effect was magical - like the stars fell from the sky and enveloped the crowd. I'm pretty choosy when it comes to concerts and this one was worth it. The next time, I'll pay more to get closer to the stage.


AltNation ……. I got a three month trial subscription to Sirius/XM radio and I’m hooked on the AltNation channel. Satellite radio gives the listener more variety (because I am sick of hearing certain songs. Like TSwift’s Bad Blood – what a terrible song! And even Walk the Moon’s Shut up and Dance with Me, because I downloaded it way back in April and would like to move on. ) Here's a song destined for my running playlist - Run by Coin


A Song For Someone and U2 …… I’m not sure why I’m digging this one by U2, but it always draws me in.
If there is a light
You can always see
And there is a world
We can always be
If there is a dark
That we shouldn't doubt
And there is a light
Don't let it go out