Octavio Paz is to Mexican literature what Jorge Luis Borges is to Argentine: a demigod. He is being honored by the Academia Mexicana de la Lengua for his contributions to literature.
The Tamayo Museum has more on this event here.
10 Art House Films About Religion
Flavorwire is NOT anyone whose advice I’d recommend on any matters religious, as they’ve shown to be absolutely hostile to the subject in the past. True to form, this list presents films who show those of faith at their most fallen. Some of these films are quite good as works of art in and of themselves, but it takes a tremendous amount of cheek to deem these ‘religious’.
Press Releases
As time is freeing up, I am considering posting press releases on worthy projects. If there are any interesting bands or labels who wish to put up press releases for me to post, do let me know. Please send a sample of the music and a press-release I can easily format into the blog.
[Art] George W. Bush, Painter
Bush Derangement Syndrome continues.
George W. Bush turns out not to be a bad painter at all. Unlike some former presidents who lack the dignity to keep silent after their terms are up, at least Dubya had the decency to pick up a peaceful hobby.
The Los Angeles Times offers a slightly sneering synopsis of the former POTUS’ appearance with Jay Leno recently.
Neil Young’s next act: music technology entrepreneur
Unlike a great deal of my colleagues, I’m not a vinyl snob. Yes, it sounds wonderful for rock and jazz, but as I enjoy listening to classical and experimental music, I like the idea that I can hear such things with clarity.
That being said, the great Neil Young, himself a fan of technology, has started a service dedicated to audiophiles. PonoMusic (not quite ready for launch yet) is the name of his new venture, and it will be launched on Kickstarter this week.
Upstart Business Journal has more on this wonderful development here.
[Video] Paco De Lucía – Entre Dos Aguas
The late master at the peak of his powers. Rest in peace, Paco.
RIP Paco De Lucía
Sad news to report. Perhaps the best known modern gypsy guitarist, Paco De Lucía, has passed away due to a heart attack. He was 66.
La Informacion reported the news today, as did ABC.es in Spain. English-language obituaries are sure to come in shortly.
[Article] Neal Morse, A One Man Arian Rock Band
I’ll be the first to say that I happen to like Progressive Rock in all its many forms, from avant-prog to Christian symphonic, and everything in-between. I am also a fan of Neil Morse, who is the subject in question in this article written by Brendan P. Foht over at First Things.
What I don’t care for much is Morse’s Catholic bashing. The ground he attacks from is shaky at best, heretical at worst. Though I’m not Roman Catholic (I’m Eastern Orthodox), some of the lyrical content is amusingly bad when Morse strays into overly deep theological matters, and it never dawns on him that Sola Scriptura is itself unbiblical, rendering the whole of Protestant criticism moot.
Still, he is a fine musician, and it seems that First Things, a Christian-based magazine more focused on the arts, philosophy, culture and politics, seems to have a a thing for Mr. Morse and one of his side bands, Transatlantic. It’s nice to see prog make its way up to academia, and I’m thrilled to see it written about rather well, though I think that Foht’s tagging prog rock a ‘disreputable’ genre to be a bit of overkill. Glam, however…
[Poetry] ‘Cuerpo de Mujer’ by Pablo Neruda
Though his politics were disgusting, his poetry was perfect. Pablo Neruda writes (and gives voice to) the finest poetry, and this particular piece is perfect reading when you and your love have some down time.
The text of the poem can be read here, courtesy of Poemas del Alma.
[Video] Georg Ots – Catarí (Core ‘ngrato)
Suitable for Valentine’s Day, here’s a tune from Naples, Italy, sung by the Estonian vocalist, Georg Ots.
