Author Topic: WHAT GIVES ?????? (Read 3014 times)

Fla._Deadheader · « **on:** July 02, 2005, 03:16:48 pm »

I watch every Nascar race I can. It seems to me that this "JAZZING UP" of the National Anthem is getting WWAAAYYYYYY out of control !!!!!!!!

Don't know how the rest of ya feel, but, I'm for putting a STOP to what I consider DESECRATION of our country's Glory. Flag burners should be sent directly to me !!!

Tobacco Plug · « **Reply #1 on:** July 02, 2005, 03:27:20 pm »

I agree. No one who sings it now even tries to show some respect, they all have to add "just a little bit" to make it better to them. How about when Roseanne Barr sang it at a baseball game a few years ago? Man, that was just awful. She thought it was funny. Sadly, it was publicity for her and that was all she was after anyway.

Perhaps some who sing it have trouble because the song is very hard to sing. That high part at "the land of the free" is pretty high! Maybe we should change the Anthem anyway. I always thought that "America the Beautiful" is much prettier and more heartwarming.

Jeff · « **Reply #2 on:** July 02, 2005, 03:30:12 pm »

Remember when Whitney Houstan sang it for, I think it was, a super bowl several years ago? One of the most Beautiful renditions ever. Goes to show it can go either way.

SwampDonkey · « **Reply #3 on:** July 02, 2005, 03:36:16 pm »

At alot of those sporting events, weather it's in USA or Canada the one singing it often forgets the words and just mumbles along. We used to sing the national anthom and recite the lords prayer first thing in the morning at school from grade 1-5 as I recall. After awhile you recite it in your sleep and never forget.

I remember in High school if ya didn't memorize certain passages from Beowulf or Canterbury Tales, ya had to stay after school for detention until ya could recite it.

Frank_Pender · « **Reply #4 on:** July 02, 2005, 04:14:21 pm »

If you tried that today, Swampdonkey, as a teacher to would be prosecuted for child abuse. I would have spent lots of time some place other than the classroom I am sure.

SwampDonkey · « **Reply #5 on:** July 02, 2005, 04:27:48 pm »

Some of us folk had a hard 'ole life growing up.

I been put in 'the mouse trap', spanked across the teachers knee

, knuckles and shoulders wacked with the yard stick

, denied bathroom break

the list goes on.....

ps 'the mouse trap' was under the teachers desk. I dunno what purpose that served other than getting a different view of a 65 year old teacher that even taught my father in school. Usually the whole class ended up laughing when someone got under there and had to stay on detention for laughin at the nut under there.

ahhhh the abuse

beenthere · « **Reply #6 on:** July 02, 2005, 04:47:47 pm »

Sometimes the National Anthem is sung very well. I was at a Wisconsin Girls State softball playoff game last year, and one of the ball players sang the National Anthem absolutely the best I have ever heard. What a voice.

My son had the experience at a Twins game in MSP singing with his Barbershop Chorus and about 240 men voices in all, and I heard it was quite an awesome sound. Also sang last Dec. before a Vikings/Packers game, except the Packers won.

My grand daughter was in a HS choir this May practicing for her graduation ceremony, and the Principal asked that they sing the National Anthem after they had just finished singing The Star-Spangled Banner

My grand daughter cleared her throat and said "Mr______, we just did that." He reacted a bit slowly, and then said "Well, you learn something new everyday." The students got a good chuckle at his expense that day.

SwampDonkey
I have very similar experiences with the 'over the waste basket and get the yard stick treatment'. Laughing (out loud) was only possible if she would stop at three whacks. Any more than three, and the uncontrolled laughter would result in more serious swings, and eventually the yard stick would disintegrate into flying pieces of wood. Poor teacher. She was the one who for years taught 6th grade and ran the LTL (Loyal Temperance League) of which we paid dues of about $0.10 to belong. After doing that for about 30 years, she was found out to have never turned over any of the dues to the LTL but instead put the money in her pocket. Hows that for Loyal Temperance

Tom · « **Reply #7 on:** July 02, 2005, 06:34:37 pm »

Now I know why I got the IM of a link to WH's rendition of The Star Spangled Banner. While it is a technically impressive effort, it still isn't the pure, black and white, no-frills version Thai I adore. Give me one of our Military Choirs and one of our Military brass bands led by the likes of John Philip Sousa.

I know that the beauty of music is in the ears of the listener, but, some music doesn't get better with new renditions. National Anthems fall in that category as well as most religious hymns. To tamper with the words or the melody is bordering on blasphemy.

Yeah, I know, I'm old fashioned, a cantankerous old curmudgeon resistant to change. I just can't picture my Uncle Charles, a Marine hero in his own right, my customer, Sgt. "groundhog", who barely came back from Korea alive, General Patton, or even me, a lowly "ping jockey', doing Funky Freestyle to the Star Spangled Banner. It means more than that.

What gives Whitney Huston (housten?) the idea that she can do a better job of writing a National Anthem than Francis Scott Key? Her talents at running up and down the verbal scales in impromptu improvisation makes my ears and heart hurt.

Looking at pieces of written history that I thought I knew so well, finds me discovering items that amazes me. I always think of the our National Anthem as something that was just always there. It was designated as our Anthem in 1931, just eleven years before my birth. That's not so very long ago.

There is a funny thing about "Marshall" music. It promotes order, makes your heart pound, puts starch in your spine and gives you a sense of National pride whether there are words or not. Versions of our National Anthem that are "popularized" destroy the sense of pride, the feeling of National camaraderie, the will to defend and the vision of unity to be replaced by visions of "gettin' down".

Can't you just hear the announcer of the Super Bowl of the year 2200 saying "Now, let's all stand and dance a little urban street funk, jiving to our National Anthem"?

Jeff · « **Reply #8 on:** July 02, 2005, 06:45:04 pm »

I totally disagree with your view on the Whitney Houston version. She sang the words as they were written. She did not change the message, only the voice. Thats part of what makes The United States of America what it is. Every person has a voice of their own. If every voice in that stadium sang in unison, you would hear the song that you dearly wish to hear, but the great thing is, that if given a chance, each individual voice, standing alone is free to be unique. I can remember that rendition as if it were yesterday. It was during the 1st gulf war when patriotism was running high. Maybe you are missing something in only hearing a wave file that does not blend the voice with the instruments, or perhaps as you say, you are being a curmudgeon. I remember being moved to tears during that rendition of our National Anthem.

Tom · « **Reply #9 on:** July 02, 2005, 06:49:54 pm »

Her voice is impecable. The melody wasn't on the original sheet of paper accepted as our National Anthem.

Jeff · « **Reply #10 on:** July 02, 2005, 06:54:19 pm »

Actually, the anthem, is sung to the tune of a British drinking song from the day, which I imagine also, sounded different, depending on the state of the original singers.

Tom · « **Reply #11 on:** July 02, 2005, 07:10:16 pm »

Yes, To Anacreon in Heaven. A difficult melody to sing whether drunk or sober.

I'll not argue another's appreciaton of a rendition, but, let my feelings be known. I'm going to go to my Record collection and listen to the Navy Choir and Marine band now.

Fla._Deadheader · « **Reply #12 on:** July 02, 2005, 07:42:11 pm »

Sorry, gotta agree with the Cantankerous old Curmudgeon.. Folks can change the rhythm or whatever to any song they wish, but, LEAVE THE NATIONAL ANTHEM ALONE !!!!!!!!!!

Jeff · « **Reply #13 on:** July 02, 2005, 07:47:49 pm »

Thank goodeness that the first person to set the standard wasn't Elmer Fudd.

Tom · « **Reply #14 on:** July 02, 2005, 07:59:33 pm »

Ain't that the truth!

"Wheah's that wascally wedcoat?"

sprucebunny · « **Reply #15 on:** July 02, 2005, 08:26:32 pm »

My grandfather was a geneologist and wrote a book about his wife's family and did a BIG family tree. Francis Scott Key was my great,great,great,great,great,great,great uncle

Is that amazing or what

I couldn't carry a tune in a suitcase

I prefer the no frills or changes versions of the anthem.

SwampDonkey · « **Reply #16 on:** July 03, 2005, 06:10:50 am »

I too have to go with the no frills version. Any other way just sends quivers up and down my spine.

EZ · « **Reply #17 on:** July 03, 2005, 06:43:16 am »

I agree with Jeff.
When Whitney sang it was the best I heard in a long time. Made the hairs stand up on my back.
EZ

Fla._Deadheader · « **Reply #18 on:** July 03, 2005, 07:25:47 am »

As of last night, I will no longer watch Nascar or any event that allows the singer to "Jazz up" the Nation's Sacred Anthem.

There is NO respect left for the people that have to "Leave their mark".

Patty · « **Reply #19 on:** July 03, 2005, 08:08:54 am »

I love that song pretty much any way it is sung...as long as it is done in a respectful way. Everytime I watch someone sing it, I can't help but cry. I am so proud and happy to live in this great country.

Happy Fourth of July everybody, and May God Bless America!

crtreedude · « **Reply #20 on:** July 03, 2005, 08:38:40 am »

FDH - tell us how you really feel...

Slight embellishment doesn't bother me - what bothers me most is when the singer doesn't seem to get that it isn't about them, but about the country. My personal opinion is that anytime a National Anthem is song, the singer (and producer) need to understand they aren't important, what is being sung is.

You can add to that I REALLY dislike when professionals sing religious songs too unless they: a) believe what they are singing and b) keep themselves out of it.

Some things aren't about entertainment but are about the words being sung.

I would prefer that the huge fees go to a person who has served our country - surely there are plenty of singers who can sing who also have served.

Fla._Deadheader · « **Reply #21 on:** July 03, 2005, 10:22:47 am »

It's not about whether you CAN sing, or not. I don't care if you can't carry a tune in a pickup truck.

I hate the renditions of "Street" crap. Screeching, warbling and all the rest of Hollywood influence, has NO place in our country's Honor and Respect.

I would prefer Youngsters, as in the Chorus-Choir that sang it just a couple of weeks ago. The Young children show more respect and pride than most of the "street gang" type that make a mockery of this country.

That's partly why I'm leaving. That's all I gotta say about that.

Striker · « **Reply #22 on:** July 03, 2005, 10:28:42 am »

I don't remember hearing the Whitney Houston version being talked about, but i agree with Tom and FDH about how the the National Anthem should be sung as written. And I agree that goes for other traditional patriotic songs and for hymns. It really bothers me to hear someone butcher The National Anthem or other tratitional songs.

Jeff

Buzz-sawyer · « **Reply #23 on:** July 03, 2005, 10:48:51 am »

When Patriotism was flowing thick , after 9-11 Almost every event featured a cop, fireman or soldier singing the Anthem..........I lked it

Jeff · « **Reply #24 on:** July 03, 2005, 01:09:22 pm »

This link will give you a short clip of the end of the Houston anthem video if you disable pop ups temporarily for the MTV website.

http://www.mtv.com/music/video/index.jhtml?_lpvid=14093

You can see where she embellishes and stylizes, but does in no way change the melody. This is the old Whitney before she turned to drugs and other things. In the video you can SEE her pride in singing not only our Anthem, but HER anthem. It belongs to each and everyone of us. God Bless the USA on this Independence day!

EZ · « **Reply #25 on:** July 03, 2005, 04:05:00 pm »

So F.D., I take it you dont like to listen to Cindy Lauper's music.

EZ

sigidi · « **Reply #26 on:** July 03, 2005, 11:57:11 pm »

I think crtreedude has it right... I hope I am not stepping on toes as it is about your anthem and not mine, but...

whoever sings it should realise they are not bigger than the song - the song, the tune, the words, the meaning it says so much about millions that one person, regardless of how much money they make, how many concerts thay give or any thing else, just cannot be bigger than the song.

I have to agree with most of the sentiments running along the line of leave the DanG song alone and show some bl#*dy respect!!! Same as any anthem.

I may be a bit touchy about such things with spending 4 years in the Australian Army, but one other thing which irkes me to high heaven is the growing trend of making 'items' from the national flag!! Beach towels, clothes, seat covers, doormats of all things. Stuff like that just hurts those who came before and did so much in the name of that flag...

leave the DanG flag alone and show some bl#*dy respect!!! Same as any flag.

Buzz-sawyer · « **Reply #27 on:** July 04, 2005, 12:11:09 am »

Sig just a side note...............
bloody isnt a curse word in U.S .its a condition....

....My Friends south of the equator tell me D%#n is not a too bad word down there

?

Arthur · « **Reply #28 on:** July 04, 2005, 02:03:44 am »

Buzz-sawyer

dont forget the aussie most spoken words. Cant mention here.

arthur

Engineer · « **Reply #29 on:** July 04, 2005, 09:19:39 am »

Each Friday, before our regular noontime meeting, all the members of my Rotary Club stand up, sing a patriotic song, pledge allegiance, and say a prayer. We are the worst group of singers I have ever heard, and when someone chooses to sing the Star-Spangled Banner, it's painful. Fortunately for all of us, the song usually chosen is God Bless America.

I only like to hear the National Anthem sung if the person singing it has some significant musical ability, and sings it as it was written. This may be the land of the free, but have some respect.

FDH - you'd be better off not watching NASCAR anyway - I hear it's just a bunch of cars driving in circles for a few hours....

how boring is THAT!

Roxie · « **Reply #30 on:** July 04, 2005, 10:29:53 am »

I don't recall the event that I was watching when it happened, but I'll never forget the sheer AGONY of listening to Boyz 2 Men torture our National Anthem. It was horrible and took them a minimum of 15 minutes to get through what should have been 1 minute and 20 seconds if you let go of the notes as written.
On the other hand, I think the Jimi Hendrix version is awesome.
Perhaps it's in the ear of the beholder.

old3dogg · « **Reply #31 on:** July 04, 2005, 05:24:12 pm »

NASCAR has become one big joke ever since they kicked out ESPN.
And I feel that a law should be signed that only Faith Hill should be allowed to sing our National Anthem. Dont care for country music all that much but that lady can sing!

Engineer · « **Reply #32 on:** July 04, 2005, 08:54:07 pm »

oh how I wish I was Tim McGraw....

sigidi · « **Reply #33 on:** July 04, 2005, 09:19:15 pm »

I'll second that!!

Haytrader · « **Reply #34 on:** July 05, 2005, 09:36:23 am »

Why, so you could wear that ol crumpled up hat??

OneWithWood · « **Reply #35 on:** July 05, 2005, 11:57:57 am »

I have to agree with JeffB. Whitney did an amazing job and I felt it came from the heart.
Roxie, I used Jimmy Hendrix's version to close out a radio show we had to do in highschool speech class. The teacher ran into the booth and yanked the chord and proceeded to give me what for. Silly girl just could not see the beauty of that rendition.
Years later as a college dude I would stand and sing the anthem before football games in a crowd of 50,000. I always had chills going up and down my spine as I realized that the song had a special meaning for everyone in the stands regardless of their political leanings.
To me that is the beauty of the USA. Everyone is free to have an opinion and strong beliefs on various subjects. I only hope that we can get to the day that everyone's opinion is respected and that conversations about the differences in opinion are discussed with an intent to learn and understand why the difference exists. Given the free flow of information between well intended individuals opinions become modified and we all come a little closer to understanding. Hope springs eternal

Tom · « **Reply #36 on:** October 28, 2007, 07:54:23 pm »

Last night on the TV show Dirty Jobs, Mike Rowe, the host, was performing the job of grounds keeper for the Bowie Baysox. He was also asked to sing the National Anthem. I watched and listened with bated breath, knowing his penchant for humor and wondering if he had the voice to pull it off. He did! It was the purist version I have heard in years. His clear baritone was on the money and the reverence brought a tear to my eye. I was emotional to embarrassment for some time after he finished.

The show first ran Jan. 30, 2007 but I am sure glad they reran it last night. If you get the chance to see it, don't miss it. The Title of the show is Well Digger. His rendition made me proud of both him and our country.

Dave Shepard · « **Reply #37 on:** October 28, 2007, 08:42:32 pm »

Mike Rowe is one of a only a few TV personalities I'd like to meet in person.

Dave

arj · « **Reply #38 on:** October 28, 2007, 09:52:42 pm »

Some songs are not meant to be changed
arj

deutz4 · « **Reply #39 on:** October 28, 2007, 11:04:10 pm »

I noticed last year that when I watched "Hockey Night in Canada" on Canadian TV they always televised the national anthem even when they played a U.S. team and did both of them. On American TV the anthem was done during the final commercial break before gametime.

SwampDonkey · « **Reply #40 on:** October 29, 2007, 05:28:43 am »

'Hockey Night in Canada' has done that for decades, no exceptions.

sawguy21 · « **Reply #41 on:** October 29, 2007, 10:04:22 am »

When playing in American arenas, they do The Star Star Spangled Banner first, in Canada it is Oh Canada. During the 2006 playoff games in Edmonton, the singer would start and as the crowd got into it he would stop and point the mic toward them. They got right into
the spirit

The killjoys in the NHL ordered him to stop doing that. They were afraid singing the anthem would become a rivalry between the cities. What a crock

Slabs · « **Reply #42 on:** October 29, 2007, 08:56:05 pm »

I thought I had responded to this thread back in 05 but it doesn't seem so. Anyway, I believe that the problen with the singing of the National Anthem is that "WE" don't sing it anymore. I've heard some great renditions by celebrities-Kelsey Grammer had one and Vanessa Williams sang it beautifully because she later said that she was greatly concerned about her ability to present it faithfully.

I guess nobody will argue that Rosanne butchered it beyoun redemption and I maintain that Natalie Cole "jazzed it up" almost beyond recognition.

I reiterate, "WE" should be singing our Anthem. All of us, collectively, to the music of a marching band as it used to be at football games or even to an organ at the baseball park as Harry Carey would sing along with us just before he gave us "Take Me Out to the Ball Park". Never mind that the guy two seats over couldn't carry a tune in a bucket because he'll be drowned out by the crowd. Hopefully the crowd knows the words.

OneWithWood · « **Reply #43 on:** October 29, 2007, 09:34:00 pm »

Quote from: Slabs on October 29, 2007, 08:56:05 pm

I thought I had responded to this thread back in 05 but it doesn't seem so. Anyway, I believe that the problen with the singing of the National Anthem is that "WE" don't sing it anymore. I've heard some great renditions by celebrities-Kelsey Grammer had one and Vanessa Williams sang it beautifully because she later said that she was greatly concerned about her ability to present it faithfully.

I guess nobody will argue that Rosanne butchered it beyoun redemption and I maintain that Natalie Cole "jazzed it up" almost beyond recognition.

Hopefully the crowd knows the words.

I wonder how many do. $:-\$

beenthere · « **Reply #44 on:** October 29, 2007, 09:53:14 pm »

Over this past weekend, in Rochester, MN, we sang O'Canada and The Star Spangled Banner. It was in an auditorium with about 3000 barbershop members and families. Filled the auditorium with sound. Raises the hair up on the back of your neck and arms...goose bumps and chills, and some tears.
Awesome!!

The quartet contest and chorus contest was quite impressive as well. More and more youth and younger singers are joining in, finding the harmony of singing refreshing.

News:

Author Topic: WHAT GIVES ?????? (Read 3014 times)