history
12/19/2006
The Shins- Phantom Limb
In the spirit of the holiday season, this new Shins video reminds the populace of how easy life is now in comparison to yesteryear. Remarkably similar to the Jib Jab Year in Review, the Shins use the context of a school play to explore a vivid and public history. With children acting out graphic historic events, there are moments that you forget that A) these events actually happened and B) these are children playing with swords and dying in horrific ways.
The video is visually stunning, but I found myself unable to fully appreciate the weight of these images when combined with the harmlessly melodic track. Why? The song in itself isn’t bad, though with more subtle bands like the Shins, you love the song either the first time you hear it or the tenth. I think the problem with "Phantom Limb" is that the video is almost too good. The sharp, well-composed narrative is almost lessened by the lyrics that accompany it. It needs a song that can keep up to the relevance and tone of its murderous plot.
11/19/2006
Ruth Brown- Dies at Age 78
The 50’s R&B star, Ruth Brown died Friday at a Las Vegas-area hospital due to complications from a stroke and heart attack. Dominating the rhythm-and-blues charts in the 1950s, "Miss Rhythm" will be remembered for her soulful voice and historic music career.
A pioneer of the genre, Ruth Brown built the foundation of the fledgling Atlantic Records, making it the R&B powerhouse that it is today.
“Miss Rhythm” sang with power and personality that steamed from the soul of her generation. Honored recipient of a Tony, Grammy, and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Brown will also be remembered for her role as the feisty deejay Motormouth Maybelle in the 1988 cult movie "Hairspray.""Ruth was one of the most important and beloved figures in modern music," singer Bonnie Raitt said in an official statement released by the Associated Press. "You can hear her influence in everyone from Little Richard to Etta (James), Aretha (Franklin), Janis (Joplin) and divas like Christina Aguilera today."
Watch the R&B advocate and legend sing her 50’s chart topper (“Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean," a rare clip from the height of Brown’s stardom.
For more on Brown career, read the AP release.
