Shannon Writes...: Stipe.

Thinking about Going to the Show @ Circle Players?

Thanks for stopping by my website. I hope you’re thinking about purchasing tickets to see the Circle Players’ production of Words of Snap, Crackle, and…Um…: Short Plays By Shannon Reed, running July 24, 25, 30 and August 1 at 8 PM. But I realize that you most likely don’t know anything about me nor my work. Herewith, then Ten Reasons to See This Production: 1) It is most likely entirely nitrate-free. 2) I do not like puns and thus very few appear within my writing. 3) My work makes you think, but not in a bad, head-splitting, I-just-watched-too-much-CNN way. 4) Free face painting! (Note: Bring own face, paints and brushes). 5) The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette called “Up on the Roof” “a meal in itself,” with and an “inventive comedy” with “a fetching mix of naturalness and slightly italicized silliness.” 6) My mom might be there. She is, like, SUPER nice. 7) Shakespearean characters, Grecian characters, a family of folksingers, a trip to the Grand Canyon and futuristic sci-fi: All on one stage! You don’t get that in Jersey Boys! 8) Newsday called “Bound for Glory” “the most stunning debut” when it premiered at Theatre Three in 2006. 9) At no point is the TV show Jon and Kate + 8 even mentioned. 10) It’s a wonderful opportunity to hear a fresh new voice in the theatre, courtesy of the wonderful folks at Circle Players, believers in and practitioners of theatre for everyone! And, at $10 a ticket, it’s less than this playwright pays to see movies!

January 05, 2009

Stipe.

Yesterday was Michael Stipe's birthday. Yes, this post, about Michael Stipe, would have been better planned to have gone up yesterday. But, well, um, I didn't get to it. So, instead, we'll have it today, to celebrate the first full day of Michael Stipe being 48.

Michael Stipe is the lead singer of R.E.M., who still record -- and apparently had an excellent recent album -- but whom I think of as being a quartet and whom I associate with being high school, and college, and having the time to sit around listening to CDs over and over, disciphering (or, more likely, making up) lyrics and pondering the depths of life's miseries and joys. More miseries and joys, of course, what with being 17. Boy, I have become a happier person as I've gotten older. Anyhoo.

Michael Stipe has a really incredible voice. It's a baritone, and has an unusual range and depth. He's not an opera singer or anything like that, but it's really a wonderfully expressive instrument. He's also a really cool guy, into saving the planet and being out of the closet way before it was mainstream and cool. (Or, in the case of the latter, at least even done). And he is beautiful. Those eyes! Oh, I just love him. So herewith, a few of my favorite R.E.M. songs that showcase that voice.

Bang and Blame Off of a later quartet album. I never see much written about this song, but I love its tension and release.

Begin the Begin This off the most overlooked early R.E.M. album, Life's Rich Pageant, which I adore. I love the kick start to this song and how low Michael's voice is here. I think, when I was 14, this was about the sexiest thing I'd ever heard.

Losing My Religion Everyone knows this, but it's just so damn pretty and plaintive, with Michael in his higher voice. You know, in the South, "losing my religion" means "just going crazy" or "I'm overwhelmed." I like the play on the phrase, so this song could be about a man or woman driving him nuts, or actually causing him to question his core beliefs. And the mandolin! Oh, don't get me started on the mandolin.

Find the River This is my favorite R.E.M. song (although only by a hair) and one of my favorite songs, ever. I don't even really know what it's about (except that he's got to, uh, find the river), but it is beautiful.

January 05, 2009 | Permalink

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