Posts filed under ‘WALT’S OPINIONS’
WALT’S OPINIONS
WALT’S OPINION
ON
MICHAEL DIRDA
If you love to read as much as I do, and have missed books that ‘you should have read’ there is still hope. By any means possible, purchase the book, Bound to Please, by a phenomenal author and critic, Michael Dirda.
Dirda reviews books for the Washington Post, and every review not only profiles the book, but borrows from his extensive readings. When it comes to literature, he is more like a machine remembering apparently everything he has read. Just as an aside, his other books are most enjoyable giving a glimpse of the life of a true reader.
Bound to Please begins with is a review of books written about great books, beginning with Herodotus: The Histories, on to Writers of the Times. I cannot begin to mention all the information contained in this work. The book also delves into science fiction and horror, my favorite genres.
The book, at first, can appear to be an intimidating read, but if you enjoy literature and want it fill in the holes in your reading, once started, you will be unable to put it aside. At first, I intended to read a page or two but found myself devouring the work, taking notes and marking pages.
If you want to read a comprehensive survey of world literature, please treat yourself to this book. It is a work you will keep for the rest of your life and reference often.
WALT’S OPINION’S
WALT’S OPINION ON MUSIC
THE NATIONAL
If you are acquainted with my blog, you should know by now that I’m old enough to shave – even though I don’t. I mention this because you may find the type of music I appreciate strange. In fact, there is a group that I love, Rilo Kiley, of whom I will write an article in the future. Some time ago they were playing at a venue which my wife and daughters felt I should not attend. Something about the audience lifting me up and passing me around.
But now let’s get to the subject of this piece.
This first entry to this portion of my blog, Walt’s Opinions, concerns a CD my daughter, Lynn, gave me more than a year ago. I forget the occasion, it was holiday or birthday. The CD was, High Violet, by The National. At first I listened to it as background music, but there was something about the voices that caught my attention. Finally, when time allowed, I sat down undisturbed and gave it a close listen. I have come to appreciate that your undivided attention is the only way to really enjoy this music.
The voices on the CD are deep, haunting and resonate with feeling. They are not polished but genuine and necessary for the eerie compositions they present.
The lyrics of the songs are poetic. Unfortunately, they are not included but the voices are distinctive enough for understanding. I hope in future work they include the lyrics. The words speak of an individual not content or fitting into the world around him. He exists on the edge and exists by his own rules.
Then there is the music. The instrumentation I awesome and thoroughly complements the lyrics to make a complete package.
I hope you give this CD a listen. After that, I would enjoy hearing your comments. If you do give it a listen, you’re in for one hell of a ride.
Walttriznastories's Blog 