Short Takes
June 9, 2009
World Class: Amadou & Mariam in New York
I didn’t trust my own reaction, so I took friends with me to see Amadou & Mariam. From pretty much the start of the show, we were all equally stunned — nothing prepares you for a band this exciting. “Is there anything more beautiful than a gold Fender Telecaster against a purple dashiki?” one of my witnesses asked. Another said, “They should perform at the White House!” What’s the fuss about? A well-oiled machine of a groove band, with a lot of brainy, sophisticated stuff going on above the rhythm. Like in the beautiful Sabali, which Mariam sings. She stands still, regal as Callas, while her voice covers the spectrum over music reminiscent of Philip Glass. The blind duo from Mali and their band are touring with Coldplay; see dates here. Ok, so you missed greatness of the first order. Don’t miss the CD.
June 4, 2009
Head Butler 2.0: What’s In It For You?
The point of cosmetic surgery is to make you look as if you’ve had a good night’s rest, not as if you’ve been lifted by cranes. That’s what I wanted from a new, improved Butler, and that’s what the exceptionally talented crew — that’s you, Eric, Sunil, Erin and Litza — at the Book Report Network created. What’s in it for you? Now you can print reviews. The RSS feed is back. And, most of all, YOU CAN NOW SHARE BUTLER WITH REMARKABLE EASE. Yes, you can now forward to a friend, and more: You can Twitter, Twig, Facebook, Delicious, LinkedIn, Reddit, Digg and Buzz Up. And signing up for the Newsletter is now as simple as typing in your e-mail address and clicking. Is there anything left to do? Yes, and it’s a favor — would you share Butler? I’d be extravagantly grateful. And your friends and family will, I hope, be impressed by your good taste.