O Santo de Polvora

“O Santo de Polvora”

“O Santo de Polvora” was originally composed by a Spanish- Celtic group, Milladoiro. The words “O Santo de Polvora” translate to “The Holy Powder” and when the “P” in “Polvora” is lower case instead of upper case, it translates to “The saint of gunpowder.” The translations, though different, are still both close enough to get a good, solid understanding of the text.  Chris Thile and the Punch Brothers released their cover of the song on their 2006 record, “How to Grow a Woman from the Ground.” The opening motif sets up the mood for the rest of the piece. “O Santo de Polvora” is a very playful piece that takes its listeners all the way to the Northern country side of Spain, or maybe even the Tuscan region of Italy. The piece sustains its playfulness throughout and, coupled with bluegrass instruments, it reminds the listener that just because you don’t possess traditional Spanish or Italian instruments doesn’t mean you can't imitate the style. From start to finish “O Santo de Polvora” is an excellent piece that is good for any relaxation playlist or even an after dinner playlist as well. The song has a timeless quality to it that will make the listener have to listen to it over and over again. Regardless of whether you are a fan of Bluegrass music or not, this piece will surely gain its fair share of respect with you.

                                                                                                                                                Signing off,

                                                                                                                                                                Derek Hale

Sherlock

Better Sherlock Holmes: Robert Downey, Jr. or Benedict Cumberbatch?

Sherlock Holmes is one of the most time-honored literary characters since his first appearance in “A Study in Scarlet” in Beeton’s Christmas Annual in 1887.  Sherlock has influenced many characters in today’s society. The characters Greg House from the TV series “House” and Shawn Spencer from the series “Psych” were both inspired by Sherlock Holmes.  Many actors have portrayed the character of Mr. Holmes, but there have been two great actors of our time who have done an especially great job at bringing Sherlock to life.  First, Robert Downey, Jr.’s interpretation of Holmes in the film series has really helped bring the character out to the mainstream audience. The second is Benedict Cumberbatch, who stars in the BBC television series “Sherlock.” He has reinvented Holmes in a refreshing way, as the series is set in modern day London.

            So, the question is, who is better at being the great Sherlock Holmes?

Both actors have done their research prior to portraying Holmes because they have both nailed the character perfectly. It’s their differences, though, that cause audiences to take sides on which Sherlock is their favorite.  Robert Downey, Jr. has a little more dry wit about him, whereas Cumberbatch’s humor comes from the angle of awkwardness that he takes. Also, another angle to consider is how the directors of each influence the character of Holmes. In the films, Guy Ritchie brings out Sherlock’s deductive skills by a slow motion inner monologue that Downey executes perfectly. In the television series, director Toby Haynes takes a completely different perspective where he shows Sherlock’s thoughts on screen instead of as inner monologue.

            In my opinion, both are great. Downey’s Holmes is more comical, whereas Cumberbatch’s portrayal is more awkward and intelligent. Both portrayals would make Conan Doyle very proud. I think the decision of this question is up to the reader. You decide which Holmes is better and comment on this blog and let me know what you think. The game is afoot!

                                                                                                Signing off,

                                                                                                            Derek Hale

Nothing Is Sound

In 2005, the band Switchfoot embarked on making an album that would change not only the musical direction of the band but also revitalize a group who had just come off making a double platinum record. “Nothing Is Sound” was released on September 13, 2005, to very eager fans. The album was soon certified Gold and quickly gained popularity. The album contains a wide variety of genres within it. From songs like “Stars” to “Golden” to “Daisy,” Switchfoot shows that they are not tethered down to one specific sound. The album’s wide variety of sound is what gives the listener that unique experience that Switchfoot offers day in and day out.

                This album struck me as a diamond in the rough. Out of all the albums the band has released, this is the one that gets the least amount of press. It should get the most, in my opinion. “Nothing Is Sound” is an album that only comes around once in a blue moon. The Beatles had “Abbey Road,” Pink Floyd had “Dark Side of the Moon,” and Switchfoot has “Nothing Is Sound.”

                The songs that I would recommend from this album are “Stars,” “Easier Than Love,” “The Shadow Proves the Sunshine,” and “Golden.” These songs display more than the mainstream “love song” topics. These songs are real and speak to a generation who desperately needs to hear them.

                Let me leave you with this: if you are at a point in life when you ask a lot of questions about yourself or why things are the way they are, I encourage you to listen to this album and take lead singer Jon Foreman for what he has to say about all the burning topics of today’s world. You will not regret it.

                                                                                                                                                Signing off,

                                                                                                                                                Derek Hale