* I put work into reviews like these. Please comment: don't dump an empty 'like button' click on me. *
I have loved Britney Spears long enough to have * I put work into reviews like these. Please comment: don't dump an empty 'like button' click on me. *
I have loved Britney Spears long enough to have her first two albums on cassette. I missed the 1980s emotions and musicality. I dislike country, heavy metal overtook arena rock, and I hate rap and hip-hop; which was the ambiance in the 1990s. Britney was the first in the dance genre whom I loved after a decade’s drought: soaring vocals that felt good to sing, melodic rhythms, centered in pop that made dancing easy, familiar, and new! I just saw the explanation of how she is a pioneer and recognize it. Because these are real songs, they can be sung acapella, acoustically, as folk, or hard rock. It all works.
Britney built an Elizabeth Arden perfume line, who was Canadian, folks. I love flowers but in bottles, prefer candy scents. I have the first four. I only heard that this Mom fought for her Sons’ custody. No one knew her parents’ greed, whom she supported. What Wikipedia “alleges” (insulting) versus the firsthand story, was cruel. I gave three stars for imprisonment that was hard to believe.
Tired from elaborate tours, she married someone who abandoned her during her second pregnancy, the same as his previous lady! He wanted to siphon her fame, like her parents, who dissuaded marriage. He demanded custody without knowing the children and withheld them. When they were with their Mom again, she feared Kevin would steal them and asked his driver for time to hug them. They were wrenched by a swat team. The Spears had a pretext for throwing her in a psychiatric ward. They claimed she was not an independent adult. Hands were greased because her meals, communication, millions, and career were commandeered by her Father.... for thirteen years!
She should had her own lawyer and reviewed her case after one year. Fear, despair, and visitation of Sons can keep someone quiet. As Britney intelligently stated, she had made the best album of her career. They kept her working, without artistic input. She was around colleagues and the public, from whom she could seek help. Like in novels, I saw escape routes. When her parents threatened court, they would not have wanted her to say “Let’s go”!
I was anguished for Britney, whose autobiography was successfully sympathetic. I am relieved she is free with her Sons. She expressed poignantly how good that feels....more
* It has come to the unfullfilling point where I need to say it: I hate empty ‘like button’ clicks. I hope you will feel inspired to comment on some o* It has come to the unfullfilling point where I need to say it: I hate empty ‘like button’ clicks. I hope you will feel inspired to comment on some of my writing work. Thank you. *
Nova Scotian Anne Murray and Michael Posner authored her autobiography in 2009. I love it and am gratified by explanations of strange impressions I had had.
“All Of Me” relates family, childhood, roots, education, and steps to her infamous music career. It takes us through her insistence at being a Mom at the height of her busyness and how the wrong advice from a record label and manager had her making quadruple the albums, tours, appearances.... four times too much work and public exposure than she should have done. That slog affected her marriage and time with her children.
Here is the mystery Anne solved. Every Canadian and music fan in the world knows her name and buttery alto voice. I am her kids’ age but nonetheless, found it weird that for such a strong fixture, I could name few songs. We had her Christmas albums and only knew her singles from the radio. Categorization was an oddity of her career, juxtaposed with oversaturation in Canadian visibility. Every song bandied about as ‘folk’, ‘adult contemporary’, ‘pop’, or ‘country’. Only a few were hits.
She filmed a CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) and Christmas special that probably continues to be aired annually these forty years. Her contract asked for two albums a year and not being a writer, she sought material. This then, is the reason we saw her regularly but were hard-pressed to identify songs by her. Not being their author, she is only connected with her super hits: “You Needed Me”, “Can I Have This Dance”, “Snowbird”, “You & Me”....
I love her even-toned, elevated vocabulary; honesty, grace, and her recognizable, intelligent wit. She delightfully finishes with her well earned retirement and the talents of her kids. My parents saw Anne perform, whose songs are personally poignant to our family....more
Our family loves Elvis Presley. After a 2022 film astonishingly revealed Tom Parker to have cornered him in the US; I read that only Canada hosted ElvOur family loves Elvis Presley. After a 2022 film astonishingly revealed Tom Parker to have cornered him in the US; I read that only Canada hosted Elvis’ concerts. I grew up with this autobiography at home. My Mom saved books she enjoyed or imagined I would read someday. I did: 39 years later, this 2025!
I appreciated what I learned from it. I felt dismayed by glaring missteps, which became clear to Priscilla Beaulieu Presley in adulthood. Sandra Harmon assisted in publishing “Elvis And Me” in 1985. My Mom has the next year’s edition. She would love discussing this impactful story with me.
Here is what stood out for me. I knew Priscilla & Elvis met in Germany. She was the only person who chatted calmly with him. His Father convinced the Beaulieus to let her visit. Had they refused until she was an adult, she would have spoken up for herself and for Elvis’ welfare. She needed the wisdom and confidence of growing-up. “A Little More Conversation” solves problems for us all. He couldn’t help being a public figure but live-in pals is nuts. Privacy to wear sweats and relax is a balm all souls need. He feared solitude but a day or two to try it with family close by would have garnered relief.
The film portrayed the stifling of having little artistic direction and half an income but gosh; he overspent. Priscilla’s autobiography did not vilify Tom, such as pushing drugs to keep him performing, like a machine. Had his souvenir management role not yet expired?
Elvis was a genuinely gifted singer and artist. I loved him best as Lisa Marie’s Dad. I am glad she was old enough to remember him. My Dad bringing home news of his loss is one of my earliest toddler memories....more
I relish the history I learned from “Before The Gold Rush: Flashbacks To The Dawn Of The Canadian Sound”. We shaped folk, rock, and pop in partnershipI relish the history I learned from “Before The Gold Rush: Flashbacks To The Dawn Of The Canadian Sound”. We shaped folk, rock, and pop in partnership with Americans. We sought their airwaves, they appreciated clubs paying new artists to play. Joni Mitchell, Robbie Robertson, Ian & Sylvia, and Gordon Lightfoot débuted in Toronto.
The 1960s needed songs that were edgier and meaningful lyrically. Nicholas Jennings left out Chuck Berry’s groove and Neil Diamond’s and Roy Orbison’s depth. However, fans wanted harder rock and pop and our own folksongs: not Britain’s. Raising our own subjects and voices rewarded mainstream music richly!
A surfeit of American record companies interfered. Our broadcasters assumed Americans had little interest in us and were cowardly about airing our songs! Enter Pierre Juneau. Radio and television were required to broadcast 30% Canadian music, on January 18, 1971! Airplay here, enabled performing there.
Nicholas did a phenomenal job on cultural provenance and group genealogies. I give this treat four stars for a few reasons. Calling everyone by last names was grating. His album recommendations were not indexed or consolidated.
Nicholas naturally had to narrow a 1960s / 1970s discussion but should feature Susan & Terry Jacks, Anne Murray, and The Bells. Praising modern east coast artists in 1997, MUST include the incomparable Rita MacNeil.
Yorkville Street sounded special, the author’s turf. I only refute that Canada’s “gold rush” began, ended, or only occurred there. The Guess Who received ample coverage but Winnipeg is a MAGICAL source, too vital to underestimate: ongoing in 2024. A few years ago, I discovered a Juno winner performing in a restaurant’s basement! Countless venues host 1970s & 1980s giants, indie songwriters, and our arena books current stars.
Did you know? The Loving Spoonful, Steppenwolf, and the Mamas & Papas had Canadian founders!...more
Happy birthday to our beloved Marigold, in loving memory today, January 7! You are a loyal Mom to four and our wonderful, orange feline Daughter. We mHappy birthday to our beloved Marigold, in loving memory today, January 7! You are a loyal Mom to four and our wonderful, orange feline Daughter. We miss you with all our hearts. We wish you were turning 16 today. Love, your children and Momma & Dad....more
Happy birthday to our beloved Marigold, in loving memory today! You loyal Mom to four and our wonderful, orange feline Daughter, we miss you with all Happy birthday to our beloved Marigold, in loving memory today! You loyal Mom to four and our wonderful, orange feline Daughter, we miss you with all our hearts. We wish you were turning 14 today. Love, your children and Momma & Dad....more
I bought the record, “Unison” in 1990. We French students knew of Céline Marie Claudette Dion earlier. Her name is “SAY-leen Dee-O”. N’s at the end ofI bought the record, “Unison” in 1990. We French students knew of Céline Marie Claudette Dion earlier. Her name is “SAY-leen Dee-O”. N’s at the end of French words make a soupçon of sound. David Foster claimed he discovered her. She invited him to produce this English début! Amazingly, she started in 1981 at age 12!
I only knew she was the baby of 14 children and married her manager, René Angélil. Every page enthralled me, learning the unique story of a beloved Canadian. How lovely that her parents and all siblings sang or played instruments. Surprisingly private details regale us in Céline’s chatty personality, which Georges Hébert-Germain transcribed.
She described seducing René at age 18. He would not make the first move, thank God, being 44. Expecting a sex scene when I turned the page... désolé! The business of people’s pants stays in France!
Céline convinced me that even naturally lovely vocal chords need training and care. She took dance and English lessons. René watched for chances to perform live or on television. Chemotherapy sterilized him in 1998, making determination necessary too, to have René-Charles on January 25, 2001. Céline, je pense que je connais la significance de “LV”!
“Céline Dion: My Story, My Dream” was published on sabbatical in 2000, after the poignant 1997 song, “My Heart Will Go On” heightened her fame. I am sad Papa, Adhémar ascended in November 2003 because Nelson & Eddy were born October 23, 2010. René thankfully had until January 14, 2016 with them. Maman Thérèse lived to 2020, almost 93. I am glad my Canadian music project compelled me to read this illuminating biography.
I laughed, reading that Céline curbed ballads, arabesques & ornamentation in Europe! I prefer pop, rock, and straight notes! I had better find her French hit albums....more
* I write for comments, not clicks and savour that reward. *
I heard Jann Arden on the car radio with a highschool pal in 1993. That haunting but vibra* I write for comments, not clicks and savour that reward. *
I heard Jann Arden on the car radio with a highschool pal in 1993. That haunting but vibrantly strumming, sparsely-worded single was unforgettable. In this 2002 compilation, Jann joked about hoping she never needed a teleprompter for this song in old age. It was one of the best giggles when she quipped that the lyrics of “I Would Die For You” are mainly “yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah”!
My feedback gradually settled at three stars because “If I Knew, Don’t You Think I’d Tell You?” is not hilarious. I smiled and savoured many compassionate reflections. It is a nice beacon of light. The most powerful diary entries were when Mrs. Arden’s Mom left Earth, Jann’s beloved “Gram”. She is blessed to be 10 years older than me, when our own last Grandparent also crossed-over in the year 2001.
I was thrilled to meet Jann’s cats: Shrodie, Sweet Pea, and Baby. The observations about them are my favourites. I hope she still has them. My babies born in 2000 and 2004 have just gone to the afterlife in 2022, with our younger Momma kitty. Sharing the precious antics of cats are a happy treat for me and also our very familiar feelings of living in snow.
This 200 page book published some of her blogging because it had a favourable following. The snippets are too short to be anything but diary entries. However, because her autobiography ended when she got her recording deal, I finally glimpsed her career. Other highlights for a music fan were Jann’s remarks about travelling and returning home. I was most touched by how grateful she feels, to “see our outlines in the dark while she sings onstage”. She is also very proud to be a prairie Canadian, like I am. Happy Canada Day to one and all!...more
* I consider comments a reward. Please only leave “like button” clicks if you are accompanying them with remarks. *
Gosh, Jann Arden has been a staple * I consider comments a reward. Please only leave “like button” clicks if you are accompanying them with remarks. *
Gosh, Jann Arden has been a staple since I was in university. She also appeared on the “Ellen” comedy. I have six of her albums. Some favourite songs are “Could I Be Your Girl”, “I Would Die For You”, and “Looking For It”. In June 2021, I was touched by her “Good Mother” performance, for her induction into the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame. Her Dad went to Heaven in 2015, her Mom in 2018, and mine last year, therefore my heartstrings ached with hers.
Her best known hits might be 1990s singles so far but Jann is always touring, writing books, guest hosting “The Social” talk show, or starring in her own sitcom. One time I saw her speak in person. Canada’s “Juno Awards” were in Winnipeg one year, a glamorous event that used to unreachably be held in Toronto when I was a swooning teenager. I was there, at the front, in a gown fit for the red carpet!
I valued Jann’s input on alcoholism recovery in the family. Her deliciously comedic nature filled the rest of her book as gratifyingly as I expected. I almost bestowed “Falling Backwards” five stars.
When she moved to the countryside and neighbour boys shot animals, she said she regretted participating but joked about it a few times. Celebrities often close books on the threshold of their success. Alas, this is what we want to glimpse the most. How did it feel to earn more money and see your songs become hits?
This 2011 autobiography is incomparably thorough but Jann, I wish I could un-read about your Mom checking for worms! It is cool that this prairie gal cleared her mind, working with an old fisherman. I laughed most heartily when she said her songs are morose, compared to her bubbly personality....more
* I consider comments a reward. Please only leave “like button” clicks if you are accompanying them with remarks. *
“Over In The Meadow”, 1987, derived* I consider comments a reward. Please only leave “like button” clicks if you are accompanying them with remarks. *
“Over In The Meadow”, 1987, derived from a poem by Olive Wadsworth, wins my award for the most numerous author credits! It is a fickle book to look up, because each database varies the authors it references. Pamela Conn Beall & Susan Hagen Nipp produce a “Wee Sing” series. This story is by Kathy Fahlman Bates & Dorothy Pederson Fahlman. The illustrator is a familiar name: Charles E. Reasoner. Emphasis is made on the efficacy of making this book into a play, performing it as a song - with music notes included, or enjoying it as a prettily-illustrated, warm, and informative book.
You might enjoy knowing that I read and sang my way through it, in the presence of my interested cats. They come to me at treat time, by my singing or opening a musical card; so they are all ears, whenever there is singing! I am no trained pianist and did my best to sight-read and approximate the tune. Watching each adorably-depicted animal Mother teach their cute little child something about themselves, was moving and a great delight. The questions posed and the reasoning supplied are creative and give all of us something to think about, in this wonderful selection of species. I love that critters who are not always added to happy animal learning lists, like spider families, are in equally-inclusive evidence.
A toad asks, “Why should I wink, Mother?” “Winking clears your eyes”. A fish asks, “Why should we swim, Mother?” “Swimming makes you strong”. All of the children answer: “Oh, now we understand”! Numbers accrue with each animal family, a second great lesson all the way through this. I give four stars because the wording does not vary and is repetitive to sing in particular but I consider this book a well thought out gem....more
C. (Comment, never msg).
>
Books:
music
(18)
Loading...
