Will.i.am - One More Chance

Will.i.am performed the song One More Chance on the CBS Late Show with David Letterman. The song is from his new CD title Songs About Girls released on 09-25.

This was a great musical, visual, and vocal performance!! I was captivated by the simplicity and rhythmic flow of this song. One More Chance is smooth and danceable, the lyrics are great, and it seems to cross all genres of musical influence. From the techno riff intro and remix feel, to the R&B vocal harmonies, to the Rap lyrics and enhanced vocal effects, this song has something for everyone!

Tweener kids, yupsters, grups, should all enjoy the musical flow of this song!

William was/is part of the group known as Black Eyed Peas, who created some mega hit songs including Let's Get It Started and Where is the Love (which is my personal favorite). Now, William has released a solo CD and if the other songs are anything like One More Chance, this could be a highly popular release from Will.i.am!

I loved the appearance on the Late Show! It was totally unexpected for me. I had no idea he was on the show, and then BAM! There he was... Totally enjoyable!!

IMHO: This was Great performance!! Wish I had the video to share with everyone! If I can find it, you can bet it will be posted on my web site as a featured video!

Whats in a Name - Plenty!

You may be asking, what does this post have to do with online music or video?

Well, mostly nothing, except I heard about this on our local rock radio station 98 Rock in Baltimore. The name definitely caught my attention.

What Name?

"Taumatawhakatangihangak oauauotamateaturipukaka pikimaungahoronukupokaiwhe nua kitanatahu"

Don't ask me to pronounce it! If anyone knows a link where the pronunciation be be heard, feel free to post a comment and let everyone know!

This is the name of a hill near Porangahau, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, widely considered the 2nd longest name of ANYTHING. Translation?

"The place where Tamatea, the man with big knees, who slid, climbed, and swallowed mountains, known as land-eater, played on the flute to his loved one"

Why would anyone name something this long? New Zealand! Clue me in!!

Researching this "name" led me to some other interesting findings:

The LONGEST name of anything?

"Krung-thep-maha-nakorn-boworn-ratana-kosin-mahintar- ayudhya-amaha-dilok-pop-nopa-ratana-rajthani-burirom-udom-rajniwes-mahasat-arn-amorn-pimarn- avatar-satit- sakattiya-visanukam"

A.K.A. Bangkok, Thailand

Surprised that only a handful of Thais can remember this name? After all, they invented the name. They should be able to remember it! The abbreviated translation is:

"Jewelled city of the god Indra"

Most Thais refer to it as Krung Thep, City Angels. I think I'll go with City Angels!

And For Americans?

"El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de la Porciúncula"

The full name of Los Angeles, CA, which means:

"The town of our lady the queen of the angels of the little portion"

These days the city has been shortened to "L.A." giving it also one of the shortest names in the world. Smart Move!!

What is your name?

Elvis: Viva Las Vegas

On the 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death, ABC broadcast a special called Elvis: Viva Las Vegas. The show was made in a documentary format to examine how the King of Rock-and-Roll reinvented Las Vegas, and how Las Vegas reinvented him.

There is a lot of discussion over the relevance of this special, which was viewed by around 6 million people. In my opinion, the relevance reveals itself by looking at some of the new artists presented who were influenced in various ways by Elvis Presley.

Faith Hill presented an excellent rendition of "That's Alright Mama". Sticking true to form with the old rock-n-roll sound. It was a guitar and vocal driven performance presented live! Great job Faith!!

Paul McCartney offered up a solo performance, using the original stand up bass played by Bill Black. His short version of Heartbreak Hotel gave a perfect feel for the original acoustic musical performances by Elvis and his band of musicians.

Miranda Lambert joined the show and did a rousing performance of Jailhouse Rock. Complete with a Mohawk wearing standup bassist, two excellent guitar solos, and complete with Elvis's "Thank you, Thank you very much..." catch phrase at the end of the song. Miranda put on a beautiful Las Vegas rooftop performance. And, I am lucky enough to have recorded it in HD!

Toby Keith and Aerosmith's Joe Perry performed "Mystery Train" complete with an over the shoulder guitar solo from Joe Perry. Rock-On Brother!

Although I had never heard of Three-6-Mafia before this special, they did a great job of acknowledging Elvis's contribution in releasing the song "In the Ghetto". Three-6-Mafia grew up only a few blocks from Graceland and they did a raw video mix performance with the Elvis video "In the Ghetto" as the backdrop.

Excellent production! But was it relevant?

After 30 years, things must have changed in the Ghetto right? Not so, even after 30 years, the song is still relevant today. Listen to it and see for yourself.

The show ends with Celine Dion singing "I Can't Help Falling in Love With You" in a packed Las Vegas auditorium. Celine's version was heartfelt, emotional, and she presented an excellent vocal arrangement. It's amazing the strength and power of the vocal range she maintains. Sweet Vocals!

Will there be a 40th anniversary special? Who knows... But for now, Elvis Presley, The King of Rock-n-Roll, lives on!