Ace Frehley 1951-2025

 Goodbye Spaceman and thank you for so many great times.

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The Usborne Story of Music

For centuries, Music has been a fundamental part of human culture, evolving across every corner of the globe.

In "The Usborne Story of Music," authors Simon Mundy and Joseph McEwan provide an expansive look at this rich history, moving beyond the traditional European and American narratives. The book travels to different countries and continents, exploring the unique instruments, achievements, and styles that have shaped their musical heritage.

We learn about the most important composers who have left their mark on the world, while also examining the diverse forms of Music that emerged in the 20th century, from the complexities of popular and symphonic works to the intimate arrangements of chamber music.

This comprehensive overview highlights the universal language of Music and its profound, global impact.

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Ed Sheeran en Madrid 20 de junio 2025

Concierto celebrado el 30 de junio de 2025 en el Estadio Metropolitano.

Tori Kelly

Miles Smith

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The Psychedelic Furs en Madrid 13 sep 2024

Concierto celebrado en la Sala But de Madríd el 13 de septiembre del 2024.

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The Christians en Madrid 27 de junio 2024

Concierto celebrado en el Teatro Albéniz (UMusic Hotel) de Madríd el 27 de junio del 2024, dentro del Universal Music Festival.

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Immaculate Fools en Madrid 25 de junio de 2024

Concierto de Immaculate Fools celebrando su cuarenta aniversario en el Teatro Albéniz (UMusic Hotel) el 25 de junio de 2024.

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Aki Kaurismäki's Fallen Leaves

Fallen Leaves (or more accurately Dead Leaves that is the literal translation of the original name Kuolleet lehdet) is a comedy of Loneliness and Love in Modern Helsinki by Finnish filmmaker Aki Kaurismäki, well known by his minimalist melancholic movies and his unique blend of concise style, dry humor, and melancholic undertones. His films often depict the lives of ordinary people struggling against the harsh realities of life, yet with a touch of resilience and hope.

Kaurismäki's career spans over four decades, with notable films such as The Match Factory Girl (1989), Ariel (1988), and Leningrad Cowboys Go America (1989), garnering international acclaim. His films have been celebrated for their poetic visuals, unconventional narrative structures, and poignant explorations of human relationships.

Jussi Vatanen and Alma Pöysti: Portraying Loners in Urban Labyrinths

The film Fallen Leaves (2023) features Jussi Vatanen and Alma Pöysti in the lead roles of Ansa and Holappa, two lonely souls navigating the urban landscape of Helsinki.

Jussi Vatanen is a Finnish actor with a diverse filmography, including The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki (2016), Tora! Tora! Tora! (2000), and The Other Side of Hope (2017). His performance in Fallen Leaves showcases his ability to convey vulnerability and longing with subtle expressions and nuanced gestures.

Alma Pöysti is a star in Finnish cinema, gaining recognition for her roles in The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki (2016) and The White Ribbon (2009). In Fallen Leaves, she delivers a captivating portrayal of Ansa, a woman grappling with loneliness and the complexities of human connection.

Fallen Leaves: A Story of Chance Encounters and Uncertain Futures

Fallen Leaves follows the paths of Ansa and Holappa, two individuals whose lives intersect amidst the harsh realities of modern Helsinki. Ansa, a single woman working at a supermarket, finds solace in karaoke nights, while Holappa, a struggling artist, seeks refuge in alcohol. Their paths cross at a karaoke bar, igniting a spark of connection amidst their shared loneliness.

As their relationship blossoms, they face challenges and misunderstandings, mirroring the complexities of love and life in the urban jungle. Fallen Leaves is a poignant exploration of human connection, resilience, and the enduring hope for love amidst the uncertainties of life.

Mausetyttöt: A Musical Touch of Melancholy

The Finnish folk-pop band Maustetytöt adds a touch of melancholic beauty to Fallen Leaves. Their song complement the film's overall atmosphere of longing and bittersweet romance and it is very important in helping Holappa make the decision that will change his life.

Some reasons to watch Fallen Leaves

The film is a visual delight. The mini transitions between each of the film's scenes show images of the places where the protagonists live with a delicacy and beauty that made me remember some of the scenes from Tati's films. They are that wonderful.

The characters do not smile, they could remind us of the rigidity of Wes Anderson, but they are so close and endearing that, in my opinion, they improve the idea of cinematographic composition so focused on aesthetics.

The characters live in a timeless world. We hear current news and there are mobile phones (Nokia, of course) but it could have happened in the 1950s and nothing would have changed. The cell phone is only used at home and no one has a television. The cars are old and people travel by tram. Cinemas have old movie posters and music is played on jukeboxes. Honestly, even though everything is very rigid, I want to live a few days in that fictional world.

In conclusion, Fallen Leaves is a captivating cinematic experience that captures the essence of human connection in the face of loneliness and uncertainty. Aki Kaurismäki's signature style, coupled with the poignant performances of Jussi Vatanen and Alma Pöysti, creates a film that is both moving and thought-provoking. 

If you have the opportunity, I recommend you to go and watch the movie because I think you are going to love it.

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Frederik Wiedmann and the Judas Contract

Image taken from Animation Scoop

Frederik Wiedmann is a film composer born in 1981 in Stuttgart, West Germany that has contributed music to a range of film and television productions.

Wiedmann's work includes scores for various feature films, animated films, and television series. His film credits include the 2014 films Sniper: Legacy and Field of Lost Shoes, as well as the 2007 film Return to House on Haunted Hill. He also composed for the 2015 film Tremors 5: Bloodline and the 2016 film Shut In. In animated film, his projects include Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013), Son of Batman (2014), and The Death of Superman (2018). For television, Wiedmann has composed for series such as Green Lantern: The Animated Series (2012), Beware the Batman (2012), All Hail King Julien (2014–2017), The Dragon Prince (2018–2024), and Star Trek: Picard (2023).

Music for "Teen Titans: The Judas Contract"

Frederik Wiedmann composed the music for the 2017 American animated superhero film Teen Titans: The Judas Contract. Directed by Sam Liu, the film is the 29th installment in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies series and a sequel to Justice League vs. Teen Titans. It is based on "The Judas Contract" storyline by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez.

The film's narrative centers on the Teen Titans being targeted by Brother Blood, a cult leader who seeks to absorb their abilities. Deathstroke, seeking revenge on Damian Wayne, is hired by Brother Blood to capture the team. Deathstroke utilizes Terra, who had joined the Titans one year prior, as a double agent to monitor the team before their capture. Nightwing escapes capture and intervenes, leading to the Titans defeating Brother Blood and Deathstroke. The character Terra dies in the film. Wiedmann's score for Teen Titans: The Judas Contract supports the film's narrative elements, including action sequences and dramatic developments.

Further information on Frederik Wiedmann is available on his Wikipedia page and his official website. Details about the film Teen Titans: The Judas Contract are provided on its Wikipedia page. He has a YouTube channel, but it's not very active.

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Sonisphere Spain 2011. Una reseña.

Comienza la segunda jornada del Sonisphere Festival de 2011.

Un calor sofocante y una entrada al recinto un tanto... peculiar.

Comienzan los conciertos con Hammerfall. Puntuales, tremendamente puntuales.

Hammerfall

Las 15:20, un calor de muerte y los primeros acordes del show de Hammerfall. La banda lo dio todo y el público se animó pronto a comenzar la fiesta.

Hammerfall es una banda que prácticamente desconocía, pero me dejó una buenísima sensación. Metal muy clásico, igual no es muy de mi gusto, pero me encantó el directo.

Mastodon

A las 16:30 en punto, Mastodon

Mastodon es una de las bandas más importantes del cartel de este festival, pero no soy muy seguidor de su Música. 

Siempre he tenido la sensación de que son una banda de la que es estupendo ser fan, ya que son muy majetes y se curran todo, desde la estética de sus discos y sus vídeos, la presencia de los músicos en las entrevistas, con un tono desenfadado e inteligente que contrasta con otras bandas más convencionales y por la calidad de su sonido y su Música. Pero no termino de conectar con ellos y decidí ir un ratito a la barra sombra durante su actuación para ver qué se cocía por allí.

Al poco rato apareció una banda acústica que se llaman St. Pauli. Tocaban versiones de distintos clásicos del rock. Humor y rock. Lo que más me llamó la atención es que la percusión la hacían con un bastón con distintos sonajeros y cascabeles que golpeaban en el suelo verticalmente. Muy divertidos.

Apocalyptica

Apocalyptica sale al escenario a las 17:50

Tenía mucha gana de escuchar a esta banda formada por tres violonchelos y un baterista.

Tengo varios discos suyos y me gusta mucho escucharles. No decepcionaron, pero me dio pena ver que el público enloquecía (y coreaba) cuando hacían versiones, por ejemplo de Metallica, pero se quedaban como sin no fuese con ellos la cosa cuando Apocalyptica tocaba sus temas. Igual hubieran triunfado con cantantes..

La cosa se va animando y se aglutina mogollón de gente para escuchar a Dream Theater.

Dream Theater

Dream Theater empezó ya tarde, a las 19:15

¡Buf! ¿Qué deciros del concierto de Dream Theater? Ya no está Portnoy, pero el baterista que lo sustituye cumple con creces con esta banda tan, tan grande. Disfruté cada una de las canciones y pude ver (de lejos, claro) al increible Jordan Rudes. Maaadre mía, ¡qué banda!

Iron Maiden

Iron maiden empieza a las 21:15

Iron maiden en el escenario.

Si con Dream Theater la cosa se animó al límite, como Maiden fue apoteósico. Todo el público que vino al Sonisphere estaba allí. Algunos amigos sólo vinieron a ver a Iron Maiden. No sé cuánto público había, pero estaba hasta la bandera.

Vimos el espectáculo, traído en avión por Dickinson y todo era como cabía esperar. La banda lo dio todo y el público también.

Twisted Sister

Con mucho retraso, a las 23:45,Twisted Sister

Y terminé mi aventura festivalera escuchando a los maravillosos y geniales Twisted Sister, que tocaron hasta la 1:20. 

Si Maiden se metió en el bolsillo al público del Sonisphere, las "hermanas" se lo volvieron a llevar. Mucho público se retiró y pude acercarme más al escenario.

Dream Theater y Iron Maiden eran los platos fuertes, pero para mí, Twisted Sister seguía en lo más alto del cartel de este festival. Les llevo escuchando desde los ochenta y son un clásico que quería disfrutar en directo. No fallaron, nos entretuvieron, comunicaron una y otra vez con nosotros y nos hicieron cantar "huevos con aceite". Magníficos.

A Uriah Heep ya no los escuché y bien que lo siento, pero eran las 2:40 cuando empezaron, según pude saber al día siguiente y yo ya no daba más de mí. En fin, otra vez será.

Fantastico el festival de 2011. Espero repetir al año que viene.

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Suite en mi bemol mayor Op 29 de Schönberg.

La Suite en mi bemol mayor opus 29 de Schönberg es una composicion de 1925. Es una petición que hice para el Correo del Oyente de Radio Clásica. Que la disfrutéis junto con las otras obras que los demás oyentes solicitaron.


Correo del oyente 3/2/2012

• A la carta
• > Radio
• > Radio Clásica
• > Correo del oyente
• > Correo del oyente - 03/02/12

Sinfonía nº1 Op 46 de Ippolitov-Ivanov, Orq. Sinf. Singapur; C.Hoey.

Suite Bergamasque de Debussy, T. Vasary.

Suite en mi bemol mayor Op 29 de Schönberg, Ensemble Intercontemporain, P. Boulez.

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Concierto para orquesta de cámara en mi bemol mayor "Dumbarton Oaks", de Stravinsky.

El concierto "Dumbarton Oaks" de Stravinsky es una composicion de 1938. Es una petición que hice para el Correo del Oyente de Radio Clásica. Que la disfrutéis junto con las otras obras que los demás oyentes solicitaron.


Correo del oyente 7/12/2011

• A la carta
• > Radio
• > Radio Clásica
• > Correo del oyente
• > Correo del oyente - 07/12/11

The Beatitudes de Pärt, C.Bowers-Broadveth , The Theatre of Voices, P. Hillier.

Sinfonía nº4 Op 36 de Chaikovsky, Orq Fco. de Munich, S. Celibidache.

Concierto para orquesta de cámara en mi bemol mayor de Stravinsky, Orq. Cámara Inglesa, C.Davis.

Alma de Dios (selc) de Serrano, A.Kraus.

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William Shatner - Seeking Major Tom (2011)

The Fourth album of William Sathner's musical career (yes, you read right) has been released this October 11, 2011. And it is cool to the end.

Classic Rock of several ages played by cool musicias as Ritchie Blackmore, Lyle Lovett, Steve Miller, Ian Paice, Johnny Winter, Bootsy Collins, Peter Frampton, Carmine Appice, Sheryl Crow, Michael Shenker, Edgar Froese, Zakk Wilde, Steve Howe, among others (WOW!)

Here is the Tracklist (taken from Wikipedia)

1. Major Tom (Coming Home) (Peter Schilling)
2. Space Oddity (David Bowie)
3. In a Little While (U2)
4. Space Cowboy (Steve Miller Band)
5. Space Truckin' (Deep Purple)
6. Rocket Man (Elton John) (previously performed by Shatner in 1978)
7. She Blinded Me with Science (Thomas Dolby)
8. Walking on the Moon (The Police)
9. Spirit in the Sky (Norman Greenbaum)
10. Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen)
11. Silver Machine (Hawkwind)
12. Mrs. Major Tom (K.I.A.)
13. Empty Glass (The Tea Party)
14. Lost in the Stars (Frank Sinatra)
15. Learning to Fly (Pink Floyd)
16. Mr. Spaceman (The Byrds)
17. Twilight Zone (Golden Earring)
18. Struggle (Shatner/Hamilton)
19. Iron Man (Black Sabbath)
20. Planet Earth (Duran Duran)

References to Science Fiction using this Bowie's Major Tom as a leading character involve the general tone of the CD.

Well, this is a Must Listen, don't you think?

If you want to listen to WILLIAM SHATNER - SEEKING MAJOR TOM.

Click on the Spotify Link bellow:
William Shatner – Seeking Major Tom

More about William Shatner and Seeking Major Tom

• Official Webpage
• Seeking Major Tom at Cleopatra Records
• William Shatner at Wikipedia
• His Musical Career at Wikipedia, including Seeking Major Tom
• Shatner's Official YouTube Channel

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Elmo in Grouchland.

Elmo in Grouchland: A Journey of Friendship, Rasing Awareness, and Grouchitude

Few children's characters are more popular than Elmo, the furry and bright red monster of Sesame Street. In 1999, Elmo embarked on an unforgettable adventure in the movie "Elmo in Grouchland", a moving story that combines humor, friendship and valuable life lessons among which are included to know how to share with others.

A Daring Rescue Mission... well, kind of

Elmo's beloved blanket, Blanquet, takes an unexpected journey to the peculiar land of Grouchland, a place where everything is messy, grumpy, and oh-so-grouchy. Determined to retrieve his precious blanket, Elmo embarks on a daring rescue mission, accompanied by his trusted friend Zoe.

A Cast of Familiar Faces

As Elmo ventures into Grouchland, he encounters a host of familiar Sesame Street friends, each adding their unique flavor to the adventure. Cookie Monster, Grover, Bert, and Ernie lend their support to Elmo's quest, while Huxley, the villainous ruler of Grouchland, poses a formidable challenge.

The Power of Blanquet

Blanquet, as a McGuffin, the coveted object that drives the plot, serves as more than just a physical possession. It represents comfort, security, and the warmth of friendship. Elmo's determination to reclaim Blanquet highlights the importance of cherishing cherished possessions and the bonds of friendship. And Elmo will have to choose between his beloved Blanquet and his new friends.

Glover's Unexpected... well, expected mischief!

In a hilarious turn of events, Elmo's playful antics in Grouchland inadvertently lead to the creation of a jolly, round creature made entirely of trash. This creature's introduction adds a touch of sweetness and unexpected joy to the story, demonstrating the transformative power of kindness and the beauty of embracing what others might deem as undesirable.

The Villain: Huxley's Grouchiness

Huxley, the ruler of Grouchland, embodies the essence of grouchy behavior. His obsession with order, tidiness, and the absence of happiness clashes with Elmo's infectious cheerfulness. Their contrasting personalities highlight the importance of embracing diversity and accepting the differences of others.

The Inhabitants of Grouchland

The Grouchland inhabitants, despite their grouchy nature, possess a unique charm and endearing qualities. Their penchant for messy living and their disdain for unnecessary cheer provide a humorous contrast to the optimistic world of Sesame Street.

A great movie that in the end... all ends well!

The Game Boy Video Game

To further capture the imagination of young fans, a Game Boy video game based on the movie was released. Players could accompany Elmo on his adventure through Grouchland, navigating obstacles, solving puzzles, and facing off against Huxley's minions.

"Elmo in Grouchland" remains a beloved children's film, with its enduring themes of friendship, sharing, and the importance of embracing different personalities. Elmo's journey to reclaim his beloved Blanquet and his encounter with the grouchy inhabitants of Grouchland provide valuable lessons for young viewers while entertaining them with humor and adventure.

Images taken from imdb, wikipedia, Prime Video, Netflix, Pluggedin and Muppet Fandom

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