Australian singer-songwriter Brett Every depicts the tale of a gay couple getting married on "What a Beautiful Day." Here, Every's gravelly, passionate voice sings, "Your father said, while giving his toast, 'And that of all my beliefs/I believe in love most.'" The track is not completely sappy. Every adds humor by joking, "And the only one to protest/Was your ex, in jest." The heartwarming animated video is on YouTube. "What a Beautiful Day" is available as a free download at www.brettevery.bandcamp.com and is from the album Tales of Ten Men.
Starting on Friday, Aug. 31, the North Coast Music Festival celebrates all things relating to dance music with an array of DJs spinning at multiple stages. A broad range of talent has been assembled to make sure that the three-day festival at Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., does not skip a beat. Some of the draws on the line-up include Paul Oakenfold, Felix da Housecat, the Rapture, Girl Talk and Steve Aoki. There will be late-night shows throughout the city after the daylong festival. For schedules, tickets and more information, visit www.northcoastfestival.com .
Siouxsie and the Banshees remains an iconic alternative band having scored hits like "Cities in the Dust," "Peek-a-Boo" and "Kiss Them for Me." The British act delivers one of the best Beatles remakes with its version of "Dear Prudence." Lead vocalist Siouxsie Sioux has released material with then husband Budgie as The Creatures before stepping forth with her impressive 2007 solo bow, MantaRay. On Saturday, Sept. 1, at Parlour, 6341 N. Clark St., Voxbox and guest DJ Peroxide will have a night dedicated to Siouxsie and the Banshees by showcasing the cult favorite's music and videos alongside material from The Creatures and Sioux.
Suzanne Vega will have a two-night run at City Winery Chicago, 1200 W. Randolph St., on Saturday, Sept. 8, and Sunday, Sept. 9. The acclaimed artist splashed onto the scene with "Luka," a piece about child abuse; then DNA remixed her track "Tom's Diner," which features her infectious scatting. On Oct. 9, Close-Up Vol. 4: Songs of Family is due out. Here, she revisits her catalog in a more stripped down manner.
Reality shows like Toddlers & Tiaras are so shameless, that viewers just have to tune in. Lucky Bitchez debuts with the single "Honey Boo Boo," which samples nonsensical babble from Toddlers & Tiaras child beauty pageant contestant Honey Boo Boo. The Chicago-based trio uses an infectious old-school beat to complement the baby talk. This would have fit perfectly on the soundtrack to Party Monster. The jam "Honey Boo Boo" is out now digitally and serves as a great alternative in case you get sick of hearing "Let's Have a Kiki" by Scissor Sisters.
The Sparkle soundtrack features Motown-inspired numbers, including the superb classics penned by Curtis Mayfield "Hooked on Your Love" and "Something He Can Feel." En Vogue flawlessly covers both of these on the massive 1992 outing, Funky Divas. The newly released soundtrack only has four songs that are on Aretha Franklin's Sparkle album. Like any other music-themed film adaptation, there has to be newly written tunes to be contenders for the Best Original Song Oscar. One of these is Whitney Houston's duet with Jordin Sparks, "Celebrate," a feel-good dance-pop ditty. The late diva also tackles the gospel staple "His Eye Is on the Sparrow." It is sad to hear how much Houston's voice has changed since she ruled the charts with the Bodyguard soundtrack just 20 years ago.
In Sparkle, Carmen Ejogo plays the oldest sister. The stunningly beautiful talent has sung previously, having lent her vocals to the drum 'n bass track "Candles" by DJ Alex Reece. Gospel vocal powerhouse Tamela Mann acts as Houston's dimpled best friend. Unfortunately, the "Speak Lord" siren does not show off her musical gifts in the movie.
The film has a scene where Sparks finds her own apartment while Nina Simone's "Feeling Good" is playing in the background. This is similar to how "Feeling Good" is used in the 1993 flick Point of No Return. Unfortunately, Simone does not appear on the Sparkle soundtrack.
There is a certain tragic irony when Houston's character warns her three daughters not to follow her mistakes and when Houston admits that she is tired.
During her run on American Idol, Sparks was criticized for favoring songs that were too mature for a teenager. This suits her well as the titular character who can belt out power ballads like "Look into Your Heart" and "One Wing." R. Kelly wrote both.
It is election season and, once again, musicians are getting vocal about candidates using their material without permission. During his campaign trail, Mitt Romney's camp has played Twisted Sister's "We're Not Gonna Take It" and Silversun Pickups' "Panic Switch" without the bands' blessings. On top of this, Rep. Paul Ryan admitted to being a fan of Rage against the Machine. Frontman Tom Morello retorted, "Ryan claims that he likes Rage's sound, but not the lyrics. Well, I don't care for Paul Ryan's sound or his lyrics." The Harvard graduate rocker also became irate when Rage against the Machine's "Sleep Now in the Fire" was used on Rush Limbaugh's radio program without permission.
