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wishing you a white and wonderful holiday and a happy new year

Adele - "Rolling In The Deep"

Continuing with the music trend of late, I must confess that I haven't been able to stop watching the video for Adele's first single "Rolling In The Deep" from her latest album entitled "21".  Described by the Grammy-winning singer/songwriter (Best New Artist 2009) herself as a "dark, bluesy gospel disco tune", the song would indicate that Adele isn't headed for the sophomore slump typically attributed to an artists' follow up to a well-received first album.

The song and lyrics aside, the video (seen below) is one of my favorites in years.  Directed by Sam Brown who brings subtle touches of drama to an otherwise simple and sophisticated video. Visually dark, rich, and vibrant all at the same time, the finer details of color, lighting, and movement (the female contemporary dance) can't be ignored.

The director, best known for chart-topping videos for James Blunt, Corinne Bailey Rae, and James Morrison is the only UK director to be featured in the top-ten of Promo Magazine's "most airplay" list (2006).

For more on Adele visit her website.  For more on Sam Brown, check out his portfolio of videos here.

Black Swan Follow Up: Behind-the-scenes

A great follow up (Rodarte & Black Swan) and behind-the-scenes look at the costume work and concepts behind the production of Black Swan.

Featuring Amy Westcott, Darren Aronofsky, Natalie Portman, and the women behind Rodarte, Kate and Laura Mulleavy.

Beauty is in the [_____] of the beholder?

Sure to cause some debate, KCRW's Zoe Chance speaks with music producer Jerry Wonda about how he "creates" the ultimate pop song.  While the music world as we know it continues to evolve, we can't take for granted the skill and talent required to produce even the simple melody or background track to your favorite tune.  

Does that mean modern music can't be considered art?  

Yes, the ingredients are different - there aren't multiple types of paint, there isn't a still-life that has been examined, or celluloid that has been burned but does this mean we aren't to respect the modern versions of what was considered "art" in the past?

My friend and singer/songwriter Jessica Childress lends her voice to this topic -  "Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of 'art' that goes into contemporary modern music.  Though I think the skill to finding the most  ear-friendly track with a marketable singer can be considered an art form. Having the ability to understand a song before it's complete and hearing the elements of a track before they are assembled isn't an easy task."

The same thing can be said about today's fashion, film, and photography.  Granted, the elements aren't assembled the same way but, then again, we don't build skyscrapers the way the Egyptian's built the pyramids.

Check out the NPR story from All Things Considered and  see if you can find the art within the beat.