I like music of all kinds. Now that the internet has given us so much band width, I can now share my thoughts, and some snippets of the music I like. I have broken the types of music I listen to, into general groupings, for ease, but certainly not perfect classification. The links are things I found floating around the net. Listening to something on one's computer, is not a good substitute for a good sound system, from which to really appreciate the full depth of music, nor is watching a music video. Hopefully these little snipettes will inspire you, amuse you, and charm you, as they have me.

I play Irish fiddle, and have played some instrument or other for nearly 33 years. Playing Irish fiddle enables me to meet people from all over the world. There is nothing quite like the camaraderie that one gets from playing with a group of people. And nothing beats playing in an Orchestra or singing in a choir.

Music is a wonderful thing. It feeds the heart, soul, and developes the brain. Music is food for thought.

I've included some clips of videos with the music. I'm not a huge fan of film anymore. However there are some really great film scores out there. I've included some of those. And for some of the music I wanted to included, but could only find it in a film, I've included links to those films as found on youtube or elsewhere on the net.

View a couple of videos done by Michael Eskin: Irish Sessions at my house: Feb. 2008

Peter Damashek singing one of my favorite songs in Japanese: Grandfather Clock

Alternative:

Fishbone: Party at Ground Zero

Garmarna: Play Swedish folk songs with a kick and other wonderful music. They use a nyckleharpa, along with other folk instruments. Vanner Och Frander, is one of my favorite! Herr Mannelig, as compared to In Extremo's version. Both exellent.

In Extremo, has an extreme brand of music. A cross between heavy mettle, and folk music. It is really it's own thing, though they do follow in the footsteps of Boiled in Lead. I really like their rendition of the Irish tune Golden Keyboard, which they intertwine with their song: Liam. They mix modern instruments like the electric guitar, with older instruments like citern, harp, and early bagpipes. It is really a great sound. Herr Mannelig is another favorite.

Weird Al: Amish Paradise. This is really a great spoof of Gangsta Paradise. I love it!


Classical:

Something I have been listening too a great deal lately is Verdi's Requiem. It is truly, truly moving. I like all of it, however the Dies Irie is of particular moment.

Along that line, another very beautiful Dies Irie is done by Mozart. If something like this can be considered more intense but some how sweeter, I think that Mozart's Dies Irie, is that. Another very moving section of this piece is Confutatis and Lacrimosa .


Jerusalem, based on a poem by William Blake, is really a wonderful, deep piece. It often brings me to tears, if the particular rendition is a good one.


Country and Western:

Dolly Parton: Jolene

Johnny Cash: Folsom Prison Blues

Toby Keith's songs and lyrics are great. He's got a good sense of humor, and knows how to make attractive music.
I Aint As Good As I Once Was is really fun, right up there with I Wanna Talk About Me.



Film Scores:

Some, but not all, of my favorite score writers and a few of their works are:

Goldsmith - 13th Warrior

Jarre - Lawrence of Arabia

Korngold - Robin Hood, Sea Hawk

Morricone - Red Sonja, The Mission

Poledouris - Conan the Barbarian, Hunt for Red October.

Rosenman - Lord of the Rings. Rosenman recombines his LoR score with a Star Trek theme, to make Star Trek IV score. Not terrible, but too bad he didn't get recognized for the Lord of Rings score, like he deserved. It was brilliant!

Zimmer - Crimson Tide, Pirates of the Caribbean - Interview with Zimmer regarding writing Pirates Score



Folk:

Itzak Pearlman plays Klezmer

Silly Wizard: Queen of Argyll


Rock:

Oingo Boingo: Dead Man's Party [ok, is it me, or were the videos really bad in the '80's?]

Raconteurs: Steady As She Goes, as a Star Trek Video. Doesn't get better than this!

Santana


Swing:

Benny Goodman: Sing, Sing, Sing

Billy Cotton

Django Reinhardt

Ink Spots

Joe Venuti

Mills Brothers: Jungle Fever

Peggy Lee and Benny Goodman: We'll Meet Again [This is one of my all time favorite songs!]

Squirl Nut Zippers: Ghost of Stephen Foster