Michael Buble's Christmas Misfire

This guy has one of the greatest voices ever. Smooth and warm or crisp and focused, Michael Buble can sing it all. And I love so much of what he puts out. Unfortunately, his brand new Christmas single, "The More You Give (the More You'll Have)" falls flat. It's a very nice and very true sentiment, but the snappy arrangement doesn't quite come together- and for one of the first times, it sounds like a rather uninspired vocal performance. Sorry, Michael- really!

Notable and Quotable: Sarah Drew

"The stay-at-home mom has the terrifying, holy, charge of raising up little eternal beings not people who will encounter the world either with kindness and grace, or with malice and indifference. I cannot think of a more important job. And yet, our culture rolls our eyes at these women. Our culture says they've 'given up' on doing anything with their lives."

Actress Sarah Drew, from Grey's Anatomy

Imagineer Tim Delaney's DCA Poster

Alright, I'll admit it: It's a pretty ugly day out there today, and I'm doing some California dreaming. That said, I thought it would be nice to post a little something special for those of you also stuck inside working because of the winter weather.

How's this piece of attraction poster art for California Adventure? Imagineering's Tim Delaney- that designer of the incredibly gorgeous Discoveryland for Disneyland Paris- created this concept for the second park in Anaheim.

It's clearly for DCA 1.0 as it features a "hip and edgy" style the suits so loved, featuring the Sun Icon, the entry tile murals, and the miniature Golden Gate Bridge.  As we all know, the first version of the park was a colossal failure which eventually resulted in a grand redesign- the first ever in Disney park history (until Disney's Hollywood Studios follows suit)- and it's now a great success and worthy of the name Disney. 

If you want more Tim Delaney, and you should, then cruise the blog for more rare artwork from a very talented man!

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Tomorrowland's Mighty Microscope

In a galaxy long, long ago, long before Disneyland's disjointed Tomorrowland became the mess we know it to be, Tomorrowland '67 was an incredible place filled with forward thinking attractions. It was scientifically focused. It was not about cartoon characters that had an adventure in outer space. That's the way Walt Disney approached the Land of the Future, and that is what was on the boards for Disneyland right before he died.

Some of the most inspiring concept art comes from this period of Imagineering and of the concepts designed for EPCOT Center's forward looking Future World. Imagineer Herb Ryman led the charge, creating piece upon piece of beautiful designs for the second Disney park in Florida. But back to Disneyland...

Here's Adventure Thru Inner Space's art for the huge Mighty Microscope. When guests boarded "Atommobiles", they immediately ventured into the microscope on their way to being shrunk to the size of an atom- and beyond. The soundtrack for this attraction is worth digging up for a great combination of excitement and retro fun.

In the next chapter of "Disney Theme Park Disasters", we'll look at the Tomorrowland of now and how looking at the future from a realistic standpoint has disappeared for the Disney parks. Going forward, it's either Jules Verne retro, cartoon visions of the future, or a whole lot of Star Wars. Yes, the snowflake has melted...

(Art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)

Happy 90th Dick Van Dyke!

Happy 90th Birthday Dick Van Dyke! YOU should have been the Disney star ambassador for the 60th celebration of Disneyland. As a beloved performer, your star has never shone brighter! 

Mary Poppins would not have been the smash without you. I'm sure Julie Andrew herself agrees- along with your millions of fans.

Sunday Dreaming

Cold cool air and lots of snow on the ground from yesterday's storm. It's the perfect kind of weather for me to dream. And so I do dream of far away places, warm breezes, and crystal clear tropical waters. I just know that this Italian villa has an incredible view of the water just beyond those steps!

(Photographer unknown.)

Crescent Noon

An early recording by Karen Carpenter circa 1968 or so. Below, you'll find an amazing early recording of the Richard Carpenter penned Crescent Noon, a song that would later appear on their major breakthrough A&M Records album Close to You.

She's performing here with the California State University of Long Beach choir under the director of Frank Pooler, co-author of the classic Merry Christmas Darling. 

This recording reveals some major changes in phrasing compared to the version Carpenters fans have come to know. It's a nice switch up- and to hear Karen hit those low notes at such a young age is a wonder. It's almost effortless, but I guess that was part of the reason so many took her for granted. The woman was made to sing- and her legacy continues on.

Music That Rocks- And Doesn't

Like live music? Me, too! And I've seen some great and some horrible concerts in my time. Here's a quick recap:

Queen- 1977 Tour, Los Angeles. The band was tight, and Freddie Mercury sounded as great live as in the studio. Smoking version of the classic Jail House Rock as finale. One of my favorite concerts ever.

Four Tops/ Freda Payne- 1977 or so, Las Vegas. Great Motown night!

Peter Frampton- Also about 1977. One hour acoustic, one hour electric. Premiered Signed, Sealed, Delivered. My favorite Frampton cut to this day. Just before the release of the "I'm In You" album.

Carpenters- 1976, 1977, and 1978, Las Vegas. As my friends in UK would say "Brilliant". Karen sounded great. Met she and Richard back stage in 1976. Very nice people and wonderful musicians. Karen was just so warm. Richard surrounded by a group of hot blondes. The bad press they got for their music was unjustified.

Kenny Rogers/Crystal Gayle- About 1986, Orange County, CA. Both in top form.

Marilyn McCoo- About 1990, Denver. With an orchestra. Lovely. Her generation's Whitney Houston before Whitney's downslide.

Amy Grant / Gary Chapman- 1995, Denver. With the kids. Gary was a great musician. Amy was not bad on the guitar, and she was very friendly and relaxed with the audience. Vocally very strong, stronger than I expected. House of Love was great. Nice job, Amy.

Olivia Newton-John- 1982, Los Angeles and 1997 Denver. Way better live than you'd expect. Special thanks to my wife for both concert's tickets. She's not threatened one iota! 

Sting- 2011, Denver. At Red Rocks with orchestra. Father's Day gift from the kids. JUST INCREDIBLE.

BAD Concerts- Led Zeppelin- Robert Plant and crew too stoned to play or sing well. Waste of money.
Genesis- Bad sound. Pre- Phil Collins on vocals.

Star Wars, Star Tours, and a Galaxy in the Making

Another Len Yokoyama photo and a great one at that! Star Tours is arguably the key attraction at the currently very broken Disney's Hollywood Studios. With Star Wars attractions coming big time and plenty of smaller place-holders open now, the public can only get a taste of the future by flying off to Endor or a dozen other locations.

The exterior of this attraction has always intrigued me. It's a far better representation of what Disney can and should do than the boxlike reuse of the Tomorrowland building at Disneyland. Can't wait to see what the Imagineers have cooked up. 

Stay tuned for more coming from Len very soon.

(Photographs copyright Len Yokoyama.)

Graduation Day

A long time ago in the land of California so far away...

Father and graduating son sporting matching perms. Yep, the 70's at its worst/best.

The Real Wild West

Today, I have a treat for you. A friend of mine has taken these wonderful photos of Moab, Utah, capturing a naked, raw, uniquely American Wild West landscape.

Her description is as follows:  "...  a few photos of our trip to Moab that included Arches and Canyonlands National parks. We went on some incredible trails and it was an experience to just be in the midst of such a vast area. You are standing in the desert where an ancient sea carved these bluffs and arches and you can see snow-capped peaks 100 miles away. Both parks are 5 minutes from Moab, which has great hotels and restaurants. And the Colorado River runs through it so plenty of rafting outfitters."

Intentionally, I chose to post these as screen shots. The full resolution photos are so beautiful and very large. But my friends wanted to share them without much copying going down. Please respect their wishes, and do not download these.

No Disney recreation can compete with what God has created! Each area of the world has its own divinely created natural treasures. 

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;

    his greatness no one can fathom.

One generation commends your works to another;

    they tell of your mighty acts. 

They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—

    and I will meditate on your wonderful works.

They tell of the power of your awesome works—

    and I will proclaim your great deeds.

They celebrate your abundant goodness

    and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate,

    slow to anger and rich in love.

The Lord is good to all;

    he has compassion on all he has made.

All your works praise you, Lord;

    your faithful people extol you.

They tell of the glory of your kingdom

    and speak of your might,

so that all people may know of your mighty acts

    and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,

    and your dominion endures through all generations.

                                    (Psalm 145:3-13)

(Photographs copyright Brooks family.)

War Criminals

It's time to face the facts: We are in a very real war whether or not our President wants to admit it. There is a necessary truth to a nation protecting its people as there is to the Biblical admonition to take care of refugees. What is the exact solution? I'm not sure, but this I know: The American people have had enough, and all of our president's "soft" talk is not part of the solution- only the problem.

But First It Will Piss You Off

You can happily attribute this slightly rough quote to me. It's from my never coming book, "You Can't Make Anyone Do Anything!":

"The truth will set you free- but first it will piss you off."

This is the reality of the words of God. From the Old Testament to the New, the truth can be difficult and at the same time truly heartbreaking, angering us at the very core of our being. However, when we learn to accept the truth as defined by God, the words of Jesus ring true, bringing freedom from our bondage, peace to our anger, and healing our hardness of heart. (See John 8:32 in the New Testament.)

It's only when we are honest with God about ourselves and our sin- yes, sin-  and cry out for forgiveness and mercy that He will step in to bring full forgiveness and eternal hope. Then, the game changes. It's a brand new beginning! God makes all things new: our lives as well as our future. We move from death to life, and from Hell to Heaven for all eternity. 

No one else could pay or does pay with their life to be the perfect and complete sacrifice for our sin. You can't even do it.  Not Allah, not Buddha, nor any one of the multitude of Hindu gods can either. Only Jesus Christ- and he finished the great work the Father had given him to do because of His great love.

Christmas in the Magic Kingdom

There will be more coming, but my friend Len Yokohama sent me this stunning view of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World's most beautiful Magic Kingdom. I've yet to make Florida for Christmas, but maybe we will venture there one day.

In the week ahead or so, watch this blog for a full on trip report to the World filled to the brim with even more of Len's incredible photos. Coming soon!

(Photograph copyright Len Yokohama.)

Classy Christmas

Christmas music is a family tradition in our home, and its on most days and into the night after Thanksgiving is over. Our collection covers a variety of styles, pop to R&B, country to jazz, vocals to instrumentals, sacred to secular. With family all around and music in the air, it's difficult to not thank God for His blessings- especially the gift of Jesus, the centerpiece of the holiday.

Let's take a look a some of the most beautiful Christmas album covers. While much of the year album art is meant to be eye catching and can be trendy or even garish, Christmas albums often are elegant and simple in their beauty. Here are a few favorites in alphabetical order and some comments on the music within.

Mary J. Blige guests on Andrea Bocelli's album for its centerpiece performance- the rich and delicate "What Child Is This?" What a gorgeous voice this man has. I first came to really appreciate it hearing him on Chris Botti's Italia album. 

Each decade seems to produce a most favored vocalist that listeners hear repeatedly on Christmas radio. In the new century, Michael Bublé seems to rule the Christmas roost. His Christmas disc (deluxe edition) contains 19 tunes, covering a wide variety of styles but with an overall 40's crooner flair. There are many cuts to enjoy, all well done without a single stand out. Well rounded or just all excellently performed? Does it matter? Michael Bublé is probably the finest male vocalist of the decade. 

The first of two Christmas albums by the beloved duo Carpenters. This 1978 release was quite the surprise in one way as Christmas albums had long gone out of style. Karen Carpenter's voice is the voice of the holiday in our home, and the day after Thanksgiving, the Christmas season officially begins once Karen sings "Frosted Window Panes"- the opening line from the gorgeous sweeping "Christmas Waltz". Richard's concept for this album comes from a Spike Jones' holiday disc. While Spike's disc is campy and tongue in cheek, while in comparison the Carpenters Christmas Portrait was traditional sounding and became an instant classic upon first listen. Although many have tried, no one, and I mean no one, sings "Merry Christmas Darling" like Karen. Bonus points for the striking, Norman Rockwell inspired album art. A very detailed look at each song on the disc can be found here.

Nat King Cole was the voice of Christmas in the 60's as much as Karen Carpenter was in the 70's. His version of Mel Torme's Christmas Song is still beautiful after 50 years. 

When it comes to pop radio and Christmas music, no one comes close to "owning" the holiday like Amy Grant. Last count, she has recorded six Christmas albums, with the rarest being "The Animal's Christmas" with Art Garfunkel. It's long out of print but a worthwhile find. Home For Christmas, album number 3, is Amy's most popular seasonal release. It includes the modern standard "Grown Up Christmas List" and a compelling version of another classic, Amy's penned "Breath of Heaven". Lovely. Looking for another instant classic but one less known? Check out Amy's album A Christmas to Remember, and listen to the incredible composition  "Christmas Lullaby".

Time for some country Christmas fun! No one delivers like Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers on this classic Once Upon A Christmas disc. "The Greatest Gift of All" tops an excellent collection featuring buoyant performances and heartfelt lyrics. It's a family favorite from when our kids were little.

Perhaps there is a competition between Michael W. Smith and his long time friend Amy Grant to see who can release the most Christmas collections. I believe this disc is his fourth of now six or seven. This one is stuffed with original compositions and one traditional hymn, "What Child Is This?" A full orchestra joins him with the recording completed at the famous Abbey Road Studios.

A worship album for Christmas? It's a perfect fit! To quote a now fairly tired but still true cliche: Jesus is the Reason for the Season. His birth is celebrated by all who believe it was because of love that God sent his only son to die for the sin of all men who would choose to believe in Him and give their lives to Him. A god who loves his creation and set his son to die sacrificially for the devoted? A totally new idea compared to all other expressions of spirituality. And a perfect reason for worship! Chris Tomlin has written and performed some of the most loved church songs of this generation, and this album is full of a mix of old and new. "Silent Night" captures the heart of the season and why Christians celebrate. A beautiful collection for the faithful.

To end this post on classic Christmas album covers, the R&B field brigs us This is Christmas by Luther Vandross. An elegant take on the classic Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas stands above the rest of the disc. His voice is warm and the arrangements lovely. 

As you'd expect, this is just a slice of what's out there. My own collection includes great albums by Vince Gill, Al Jarreau, Reba, Boney James, Elliott Yamin, Donna Summer, Crystal Gayle, Marilyn McCoo and many more. Who is in your collection?