I <3 NYC

A Day In The Life...

OK, I've was never a fan of The Beatles. I knew their songs, I sang them as a child at school but it never developed into anything. Until the other week, that is. Watching some documentaries on BBC2 showed me how much their music changed the world and what amazing musicians they were.

I went and bought the two 'best of' compilations '1962-1966' and '1967-1970' and fell in love with their music, the 1966/7 'Psychedelic' peri

od. Absolutely amazing. 'A Day In The Life' has to be one of the greatest pieces of music ever made.

I went on a sort of pilgrimage yesterday. I live 20 minutes away from Liverpool and felt like going to see some of the infamous landmarks.

We started at John Lennon Liverpool airport where the Yellow Submarine and John Lennon statue is.

Strawberry Fields is a mysterious, magical place. The strawberry red gates keep the magic locked in. It was fascinating to see the place that inspired 'Strawberry Fields Forever' that was a part of John Lennon's childhood.

Around the corner on Menlove Avenue, is John Lennon's childhood home. A fairly non-descript house, Mendips is the place where it all began.

A bit further down the road is Penny Lane. A Busy shopping area. All the landmarks from the song are still there and within lose proximity of each other. The barber's shop, the bank, the shelter in the middle of the

roundabout and the fire station.

We didn't get to Eleanor Rigby's grave or Paul McCartney's house but we will.

It's A Celebration!

Madonna - The Ultimate Hits Collection 1983-2009

At long last, a hits compilation of all Madonna's greatest hits along with a few fan-favourites. Only thing that mars this collection is the bad editing on 'Erotica' and a few other songs. It's a pity that this will be left as a part of Madonna's musical legacy with bad editing and typos on the artwork. This would never have happened 15 years ago. The DVD quality is also said to be below par. Sad.

The only thing to do is overlook the errors and mistakes and enjoy the music that has been a huge part of my life and remember why I love her so much.

Madonna in Manchester

Had an amazing time Tuesday night. Madonna live at the MEN, first time seeing her on home turf. Original seats were at the very back of the arena, at the top... not impressed! Luckily production requested I moved to the side, near the front. Amazing view!

Show was incredible, better than Cardiff last year. M was relaxed and having fun and the crowd were up for it. New songs and costumes made the show even better.

Another night to remember!

Studio81 Playlist June 09

Playlist of new music that's on my iPod that's getting lots of listens...

1. 'Balloon' by Wendy & Lisa

    (best song of new album!)

2. 'Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)' by Baz Luhrmann

    (best advice I've ever heard)

3. 'Porcelain' by Moby

    (one of my all-time favourite songs)

4. 'Spanish Castle Magic' by The Jimi Hendrix Experience

    (my fave Jimi track)

5. 'Music & Wine' (Tha' Attaboy Vocal Mix) by Blue Six

    (Funky deep house track from Naked Music)

6. 'Deep' by N'Dambi

     (laid back funky groove... neo soul style)

7. 'Le Patron Est Devenu Fou!' by Minos Pour Main Basse (Sur La Ville)

     (great French house track)

8. '3 Gymnopédies: Gymnopédie No. 1' by Pascal Rogé

     (Simply beautiful...)

9. Higher State Of Consciousness (Deep & Slow MIx) by Wink

     (Great downtempo track)

10. 'The Hustle' by Common

      (funky hip-hop from 'Electric Circus' album)

11. 'Detlaf Schrempf' by Band Of Horses

      (gorgeous track from this band)

12. 'We Build Then We Break' by The Fray

      (favourite song of the new cd)

13. 'The Beach  Theme' by Angelo Badalamenti

      (from one of my favourite films)

14. 'Sunshine' by Keane

      (best track of the 1st album)

15. 'Insatiable' (E-Smoove Vocal 12" Mix) by Thick D.

     (my all-time favourite deep house track)

The Jimi Hendrix Experience

ICON. My favourite Jimi photo. Just bought his back catalogue, lovin' his music. Incredible!

All I Wonder

All I wonder I would trade for all I hold.

Take my hand and I'll be happy to grow old.

All I've squandered I would trade for all I've sold.

Take one had and with the other let me go.

Will the moon on a dark sea raze a way for me?

I Need your faith to wander.

'All I Wonder' Written by Lisa Coleman and Wendy Melvoin

From 'Girl Bros.' (1998)

www.wendyandlisa.com