It is Music Monday and thus time for another Vivaciously Varietal Vibe!

This week:

Flavour: Electronica/Alternative Rock

Artist: Pendulum

Album: Immersion

Song: The Island, Part 1: Dawn

Rationale: Pendulum is one of those bands who you have heard on the radio, on multiple occasions, whose music you have probably thought is great but a band whose name you have never really got around to learning.

One of the reasons for this may be because Pendulum shares a very similar sound to South Africa’s very own Zebra & Giraffe (yes the band, not the animals we have running about). Although most of Pendulum’s songs on Immersion have less of an alternative rock element to them when compared to Zebra & Giraffe, there are times when the two bands sounds uncannily alike.

The album, Immersion, is a bit of a mixed bag in terms of aural stimulation. There are songs that will give even the most conservative of people an eargasm such as the hauntingly beautiful Watercolour and Witchcraft, while others like the death metal influenced Self vs Self will leave your ears yearning for an impotence inducing muffler. Of course, this all depends on your personal taste in music. Even so, the stark contrast in tracks on this album make one wonder if Pendulum really know who they are or want to be. Personally I think that Pendulum should stick to the electronic alternative rock sound that 70% of the album Immersion is comprised of.

According to good old Wikipedia, the band originates from Perth in the ‘land down under’ and was founded in 2002 by Rob Swire, Gareth McGrillen and Paul harding. Immersion is Pendulum’s third studio album release. Click here to read more about Pendulum.

Ultimately, I think that Pendulum’s latest album Immersion is good but not great. Obviously I make no delusions to the fact that I am an avid fan of the style of music I have dubbed as hauntingly beautiful. Thus, for me, this album was worth the purchase.

Check out the  video below of ‘The Island, Part 1: Dawn’ the latest single from Pendulum and be sure to let me know what you think!

Any ideas where they got the idea from for this music video? Hint: the music video is clearly inspired by this pre-Transformers’ “I did it five years ago” directors action movie. The answer is in the song’s title. If you have no clue, click here or watch the trailer here.

As always, whenever I post about Vivaciously Varietal Vibes on Music Monday’s, simply click on the name of the song to be taken to a web page that displays the songs lyrics.

Until the next time, “Milieunairs”! 

It is Music Monday and thus time for another Vivaciously Varietal Vibe!

• Flavour: Pop

• Artist: Adam Lambert

• Album: For Your Entertainment

• Song: Broken Open

Rationale: I have, on many an occasion, written about songs which I have labelled as ‘hauntingly beautiful’. As it so happens, ‘Broken Open’ by Adam Lambert, is another song which fits into this category.

At first listen, one could be forgiven for thinking that ‘Broken Open’ is simply a mock rendition of ‘Mad World’ by Gary Jules; another of my favourite songs. Both songs share an eerily similar melodic pattern, one which is a pleasure to listen to. On a purely basic auditory level, Lambert’s ‘Broken Open’ is quite different to ‘Mad World’, offering more of an upbeat pop synth loop with spacey techno buzzes and pings added for good measure. Even so, the song has a beautiful sound made even better with Lambert’s sultry voice. Surprisingly, Adam co-wrote ‘Broken Open’ as well.

I must say, Adam Lambert has created a stellar debut album. He has managed to cater for almost every genre, proving his versatility as an artist. Even more impressive, is the amount of talent that was wired behind the scenes into helping him create his first album, from the likes of MUSE, Pink, Lady Gaga, Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic) and Sam Sparro, among others; all adding their own personal touches to each of Lambert’s songs. ‘For Your Entertainment’ is a brilliant pop album and is definitely worth listening to.

As always, whenever I post about Vivaciously Varietal Vibes on Music Monday’s, simply click on the name of the song to be taken to a web page that displays the songs lyrics.

Truth be told, this post was initially inspired by the song “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon, with a particular emphasis on the line ‘I Bet You Think This Song Is About You’. Why, you ask? Well, I have been told that someone, out of a group of people who are no longer a part of my life, continues to harbour some sort of unfounded resentment toward me and my family. To the extent that this person has resorted to ‘cyber stalking’ me and then, apparently, posting libelous thoughts about me on social networks, all because this person thinks that my ‘updates’ refer to them. Although this may, in certain circumstances, have been probable before; it is most definitely no longer the case. Hence the change of song for this post.

Look, I have moved on. The last time I paid any attention to any of these people was toward the end of last year (excluding this post, of course). It was painful enough having to let go, to be ‘Broken Open’. Consequently, before leaving for Australia last year, I decided that I was not going to torture myself by looking into their lives when they clearly indicated that they could not be interested in having us in their lives anymore. The only reason I bring it up now is because I am being told about what is being ‘said/written’ by others. I have actually told these ‘sources’ that I’m not interested and to keep the information to themselves; I do not want negativity in my life.

It is 2010. A new year and the beginning of my new life, in many ways. To be honest, I actually wish them all well. I truly and honestly mean that. They were an important part of my life and I have many memories and life moments that I will always treasure and think back upon; with loving nostalgia. Although I have personally forgiven them for what they have done, I will never forget how they made me feel nor what they have proven to be capable of. They are now a merely a part of my past, nothing more.

To the future, “Milieunairs”!

It is Music Monday and thus time for another Vivaciously Varietal Vibe!

• Flavour: Pop/Rock 

• Artist: Thom Yorke

• Album: Twilight Saga: New Moon OST

• Song: Hearing Damage

Rationale: For quite some time I have spoken about songs which I have labelled as ‘hauntingly beautiful’. A majority of songs by MUSE, such as ‘Sing for Absolution’, fall into this category. ‘Hearing Damage’ by Thom Yorke, in my opinion, is another song which can be described as such.

I am not sure if it is Yorke’s surreal voice or the constant electronic and hypnotic pop synth buzz, but this is one of those rare songs that I can listen to over and over again without fail. The song is simply addictive. As it stands, I think that Hearing Damage is by far one of the most listened to songs in my entire music collection. I am actually listening to the song, and have it on a loop, as I write this post.

‘Hearing damage’ was written and recorded by Radiohead front man Thom Yorke, who specifically wrote and recorded the song for the New Moon soundtrack. Fans of the Twilight Saga will recognise ‘Hearing Damage’ from the scene in New Moon when Victoria pursues Charlie before being chased by Jacob. As a matter of fact the New Moon soundtrack, in its entirety, is actually very good and, oddly enough, was even given the ‘thumbs up’ by my father – a good thing because it means that the old folks will enjoy listening to the music no matter how loud you play the album. Consequently, regardless of whether you like the Twilight Saga or not, listen to the album for New Moon because you may be pleasantly surprised by the experience.

– Thom Yorke Lyrics

As always, whenever I post about Vivaciously Varietal Vibes on Music Monday’s, simply click on the name of the song to be taken to a web page that displays the songs lyrics.

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

It is Music Monday and thus time for another Vivaciously Varietal Vibe!

• Flavour: Rock 

• Artist: MUSE

• Album: Origin of Symmetry

• Song: Feeling Good

Rationale: MUSE are truly an amazing band. They have such a unique sound, one which I have dubbed as ‘hauntingly beautiful’. They are, without a doubt, one of my favourite artists. A title which I do not bestow likely.

Although they have released a new album entitled ‘The Resistance’, I felt it would be good to dedicate a post to a song which has been ‘covered’ more times than one can count.

The song, ‘I am Feeling Good’, was originally written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse for the 1965 musical The Roar of the Greasepaint—the Smell of the Crowd. The MUSE rendition of ‘Feeling Good’ is one of the most unusual versions of the song that I am currently aware of, but one that is equally as beautiful as the rest.

With that said, I wish that you all ‘Feel Good’, no matter the day or the circumstance. Life is too short for regrets and grudges. So, ‘cheers’ to a new dawn, a new day, and one day soon, a new life!

– Muse Lyrics

As always, whenever I post about Vivaciously Varietal Vibes on Music Monday’s, simply click on the name of the song to be taken to a web page that displays the songs lyrics.

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

It is Music Monday and thus time for another Vivaciously Varietal Vibe!

• 

  Flavour: Alternative Rock

• Artist: Placebo

• Album: Meds

• Song: Running Up That Hill

Rationale: I am a great fan of MUSE, especially songs such as Ruled By Secrecy and Sing For Absolution, which I have dubbed as ‘hauntingly beautiful’. Thus, when I heard this song during the screening of The Human Contract, I knew that it would become one of my favourite songs.

I absolutely adore the rhythmic beat of this song. I find it strangely hypnotic, akin to listening to your lovers heartbeat when your ear is pressed against their chest. As a result, I felt I needed to share it with you all. Perhaps this song may take you to another place, like it did with me.

‘Running Up That Hill’ by Placebo

As always, whenever I post about Vivaciously Varietal Vibes on Music Monday’s, simply click on the name of the song to be taken to a web page that displays the songs lyrics.

Until the next time “Milieunairs”!

After having an immensely good time at the Slumdog Millioniare Premiere, further fuelling my penchant for good cinema; and because of the success of The Upper Palatte, not to mention my new outlook on life, I have created a group for like minded movie goers called:

The Red Carpet.

In essence The Red Carpet is a group for individuals who enjoy, like yours truly, the cinema going experience – large screens (See More), deafening sound (Hear More) and riveting stories (Feel More).  At present, the group is scheduled to meet once or twice a month to ‘screen’ a newly released mainstream or art house film. After each screening, members will have the opportunity to get together after the movie and socialise – most likely over dinner or at a coffee shop. Furthermore, members of The Red Carpet will be notified of any South African premiere’s which may take place and which they may, subsequently, be a part of.

For Hans’ Milieu, I may increase the scope of The Red Carpet to include reviews of movies I have ‘screened’ whether they be new or past releases. For instance, this week alone I have seen the following films: Changeling, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Role Models, Seven Pounds, The Visitor, The Secret Life of Bees, He’s Just Not That Into You, You Don’t Mess With The Zohan, Pulse, Drillbit Taylor and Zack and Miri Make a Porno. Then again… with the amount of movies I appear to watch… will I even have time to write about anything else? Perhaps, for now, I will just keep the reviews centred on movies screened by The Red Carpet.

For the opening of The Red Carpet, we will be screening the new Warner Brothers movie Watchmen, on the day of release (06/03/09), at the Imax cinema in the Menlyn Park shopping centre. I first saw the trailer for Watchmen this past Sunday when my family and myself went to see He’s Just Not That Into You. Upon first viewing the trailer, I was awestruck by the unique art style and use of clever cinematography. However, what really hooked me into wanting to see this film was the use of the song ‘Take A Bow’ by Muse, which I immediately recognised as it began midway through the trailer (it actually gave me goose bumps). For those who do not know, I have recently become a huge fan of Muse, having been introduced to their music through their influence on Stephenie Meyer and her enigmatic Twilight Saga. I have even gone so far as to purchase all of their available albums and have subsequently labelled their music as hauntingly beautiful.

For your perusal I have included the Watchmen trailer below. If you would like to see a video of Muse performing ‘Take a Bow’ live, please click here. Make sure to tune in again soon for The Red Carpet’s review of Watchmen!

Watchmen Trailer (SA Release: 06/03/09)

By now you may have already heard of or have seen the movie ‘Twilight’. What you may not know, however, is that the movie is based on the first novel of the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer.

Simply put, the Twilight Saga – consisting of Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn – is simply breathtaking!

This was one saga that I could honestly not put down. From the very first page of Twilight to the last of Breaking Dawn, not a single moment has passed in which I have not thought about this ethereal story. Even now, with a hint of a faint smirk at the corner of my lips, I fondly reminisce about the characters, their lives and how the ‘Lion fell in love with the Lamb’.

If you have yet to read the books or watch the first movie, here is the blurb for Book One of the Twilight Saga – Twilight:

When 17 year old Isabella Swan moves to Forks, Washington to live with her father she expects that her new life will be as dull as the town. But in spite of her awkward manner and low expectations, she finds that her new classmates are drawn to this pale, dark-haired new girl in town. But not, it seems, the Cullen family. These five adopted brothers and sisters obviously prefer their own company and will make no exception for Bella. Bella is convinced that Edward Cullen in particular hates her, but she feels a strange attraction to him, although his hostility makes her feel almost physically ill. He seems determined to push her away until, that is, he saves her life from an out of control car. Bella will soon discover that there is a very good reason for Edward’s coldness. He, and his family, are vampires and he knows how dangerous it is for others to get too close.

For some time I have been toying with the idea of listening to books instead of reading them. Thus, out of pure curiosity, I downloaded the audio books for the Twilight Saga. As fantastic as the audio books are, and they are good, I found that I personally prefer to read the books rather than to have them read to me. However, I did discover that the easiest way to get someone to read a book that I have enjoyed is to let them listen to the audio books. Since I have been utterly consumed by the Twilight Saga, it was only natural for me to try and persuade others to give it a chance. With the use of the audio books, and my persistent insistence, I have successfully lulled more than five people into the fantastical world of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Saga.

Interestingly, not only did Stephenie Meyer create a heroine like timeless love story but she also managed to introduce me to the band known as Muse – whose music I have dubbed as hauntingly beautiful, just like Bella and Edwards eternal love story. Apparently the group known as Muse partially acted as her writing ‘muse’. Now, whenever I listen to their music, I can picture and relive scenes from the Twilight Saga. I am amazed at the symbiotic relationship between the Twilight Saga’s story and music from Muse – as if they were cut from the same cloth.

Strangely enough, before reading the Twilight Saga I read The Host, another novel by Stephenie Meyer, which is essentially a new take on the concept of ‘the body snatchers’. As a matter of fact, it was The Host which convinced me to purchase the Twilight Saga (mind you, the movie also helped in that regard). The Host, in itself, is an excellent read. It is actually one of the only books to actually allow me to feel true emotion for the characters. Stephenie Meyer is by no means a ‘one hit wonder/one genre rut-er’ (*cough* Christopher Paolini *cough*).

If you are looking for a new work of fiction to enjoy, I sincerely hope you immerse yourself into the Twilight Saga!

(P.S.: My Zune card is now a part of Hans’ Milieu, just below my Xbox 360 Gamer tag)

Hey Milieu Pals,

Although today is only Monday, I did in fact load the Vivaciously Varietal Vibe yesterday afternoon in preparation for today’s post. Thank goodness for this stroke of instinctive forethought because Telskum Helkom Telkom, cut our Internet connection yesterday afternoon. Apparently we have reached our ‘three gigabyte cap’ as well as the ‘average usage threshold’. Why Telkom choose to continue to limit South African Internet facilities is beyond the limits of consumer thought, reason and complaint. Regardless, a new song has been uploaded hence another edition of Music Monday can commence.

Music Monday -

• This weeks flavour: Pop/Rock
• Artist: Zazie
• Album: Totem
• Song: Ca
• Rationale: This song is hauntingly beautiful. Not only is the song audibly encompassing but the words are emotionally embracing. The song is essentially about the strength of love and how even though the person is ‘gone’ his/her love remains in the memories of his/her touch, voice, skin, eyes and hands, never to be forgotten *sniff sniff*!

Just short of last weeks Music Monday post, I officially received my very own ‘black’ Microsoft Zune 80 – intimately known as "Hans’ Zune" or, when searched for and viewed by other Zune users, "Snah85".

I have been anticipating the arrival of this device since it was announced and even more so after having pre-ordered it in early November of last year. However, after a frustratingly agonising wait, partly due to stock shortages, my Zune finally arrived! At 09:15am on Tuesday 22nd January 2008 my Zune was, at long last, delivered into my grubby little paws!

Along with my Zune 80 I ordered the Zune Home A/V pack and the Zune Car pack. The Zune Home A/V pack consists of a docking station, infra-red remote control as well as composite audio and video cables – the Zune 80 has respectable television-out functionality. The Zune Car pack contains a rubber Zune mat and a single FM transmitting unit, which plugs into a cars cigarette lighter, and is connected to a small Zune-like unit with a backlit LED screen which has two FM station preset buttons. Like the Zune, the little unit has a brushed aluminium underside and high quality scratch resistant matt plastic front. Surprisingly, the LED unit can magnetically attach itself to the power module! Oh yeah, the sound quality is excellent too (heh heh heh)!

My Microsoft Zune 80 is ‘black’ in colour (this was the only colour available to order at the time) and has an 80 Gigabyte storage capacity. The Zune itself has a scratch resistant LCD glass screen which, even in direct sunlight, looks beautiful with pristine clarity and fantastic colour reproduction. The front of the device appears to be made of a high quality molded matt plastic, while the rear of the device is made of a brushed aluminium. Amazingly, this allows the entire device (sans the screen) to be smudge and fingerprint resistant – an indescribably welcome change when compared to my 5th Gen. 60GB iPod which is practically unrecognisable under its scarred surface.

The Zune’s ‘Squircle’, touch pad, is really a pleasure to use. Simply ‘flick’ or ‘caress’ the pad, in any motion, and enjoy the fluidity of the menu system. Not only is it touch sensitive but it also offers conventional tactile feedback by means of a five-way directional D-pad (you can press the left, right, up, down and centre of the ‘Squircle’ to navigate through the Zune’s menu’s if you so prefer, with or without touch sensitivity activated). Furthermore, the Zune has two additional buttons to the left and right of the ‘Squircle’ which function as ‘back’ and ‘play/pause’ buttons respectively. The earphone jack is on the top right of the player with a ‘lock’ switch on the top left of the player. However, the best feature of the Zune would have to be its wireless capabilities.

Not only can Zune users share songs (only songs are DRM protected to ’3′ plays, during sharing, before automatic deletion), pictures, videos or podcasts wirelessly with one another, also enjoying a full wireless profile for other users to view, but they can also allow their Zune’s to wirelessly ‘sync’ with their computers. This is possible if you have a wireless home network. The best part about this process, however, would have to be how easy it is to set up and use. All one needs to do is go to the wireless settings in the Zune software and activate wireless syncing, the software automatically configures your Zune for the network. Furthermore, one can manually initiate a wireless sync in the Zune’s wireless settings or simply plug the Zune into a power source for automatic wireless syncing.

Well Milieu Pals, since it is Music Monday I thought it would be appropriate to talk about my newest music and multimedia device, which I am thoroughly enjoying. As a result I do hope you  were fond of this short introduction into Microsofts Zune multimedia player. In next weeks post I will continue to elaborate on the Zune, particularly because we have ordered a Red Zune 8GB for my mom. In addition to more Zune coverage I will offer an overview of Shure’s SE530 PTH earphones – yeah, I know… hectic!

Until then Milieu Pals!

- Hans 

(PS: I am using my phone and Vodacom’s dodgy and often unreliable Internet facilities to post to Hans’ Milieu)
(PPS: Windows Live Writer is fantastic! It is because of this free program that I am able to write and edit my posts without having to be connected to the Internet, thus saving on bandwidth usage/costs)