Lise's Ramblings

In " To be or not to be...dominant for centuries " I paid tribute to a literary great. Today's post celebrates the staying power of a rock-and-roll team: The Rolling Stones. Back in 1963, Mick Jagger figured The Rolling Stones wouldn't last more than a couple years. Considering the reckless lifestyle of band members, their larger-than-life personalities, and the excesses of the 1960s, it's surprising the bad boys of rock survived at all, let alone to play on for all these years. Fortunately for fans and artists alike, Mick was wrong; this summer marked the band's 50th anniversary. While the band's composition has shifted since the Rolling Stones took to the public stage at London's Marquee Club back on July 12, 1962, the talented frontmen, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, have remained at the core.  Shepard Fairey designed an anniversary version of the band's iconic logo (shown above). The original, created by John Pasche, easily ranks...

Some artists tour, but shouldn't; they deliver pitchy songs and seem awkward on stage. Studio magic is required to polish their performances to our liking.  Other gifted musicians and singers shine during concerts. They improvise and even make you love modified renditions of their hits. Last night, I was lucky to see and hear Prince when he took to the stage at Halifax's Metro Centre. Even people who don't care for his mega hits would have enjoyed his show. He played songs he'd written for other artists (e.g., "Nothing Compares 2 U"), covers of other works (e.g., disco tunes and "Let's Go"), and mashups and funky renditions of his own material. His voice is as powerful as ever. He still hits those ridiculously high notes. He dances like someone who is in his twenties and has heaps of rhythm. His quirky mannerisms are flirtacious and his guitar mastery astounds concert goers.  When artists live performances rival their rec...