"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagnination, and life to everything." ~ Plato


Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

This Thing I Like 2

Today, I'd like to mention the music group The Wailin' Jennys.

They're a trio of women who sing in tight harmonies, with a folksy, bluegrass style that sometimes delves into British or Irish folk song.  I've been listening to them pretty much all day today - they're great for public transit (at least in my opinion.)  Arguably, a lot of their music can sound the same if you're casually listening.  However, their musical styling and - especially - the lyrics of their songs are both strong pulls towards their originality.

It's great music for winding down after a long day, or maybe mixed in as a part of a road trip CD.  They're everything that's good about "just a little bit country."  Read more here: The Wailin' Jennys on Wikipedia


Love&Harmony,
Erin

Montag

I'm working on catching up on Downton.  Monday night was episode 4 for me and I've still got to get episode 5 in before next Sunday!

I am so relieved for Anna and Mr. Bates.  But of course his attitude at the end of the episode is disturbing.  Of course he knows it was actually the valet... Maybe, though, he doesn't have murder in mind??

Yay for a new lady's maid who isn't crazy!  At least... I don't think so... It's hard to tell if she is keen on Thomas' demands for her knowledge/alliance or not.  She is certainly the most normal of the 3 that have been on the show though.  I like her sewing skillz, too.

Poor Alfred!  But Daisy sure was cute at the end of the episode - all smiley because he would still be around.  Maybe he'll start to see her worth since she helped him so much?

I feel for Lady Mary.  She really did have something stirring in her heart.  The sneak-peek for the next episode, though, possibly holds hope.  And Lady Edith -- something is going on there in London.  Is her man in Germany yet??  I'm confused...

And so many Maggie Smith quips!  Best!!

All in all, a pretty good episode.  Most of the Anna-Bates angst is resolved (thank goodness) and that was the truly heaviest part of this week.  Looking forward to another one later this week!


Love&Harmony,
Erinn

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Sherlock Quickie

A quick review on Sherlock before I pass out!

Woohoo I finally watched it!  Plenty of angsty, nail-biting suspense, just like I like it.  The only thing that really got to me was the first 30ish minutes.  I get and even liked the way they reintroduce Sherlock to Watson's life and his reaction was perfectly natural.  But all of the quick "cool" shots - it certainly felt like more than normal - ended up feeling slightly gimmicky.  Does anyone agree with me?

Looking forward to next week!
Love&Harmony,
Erin

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Downton!

A day late on Downton because of work/friends/practicing/etc.  But I made the time to watch it tonight, no matter how much I regret it with my early back-to-school morning.  :)  Keeping this review short.

I loved this quote from Mr. Carson this week:
"The business of life is the acquisition of memories.  In the end, that's all there is."  What a beautiful thought.

YAY EDNA IS GONE!  Although, is it really that easy, Tom??  I'm a tad skeptical...

Edith, your aunt said it, but girl I hope you're not pregnant.  It would just be the luck of your cards for Mr. Gregson to be stuck in Germany and you stuck with an out-of-wedlock child.  Ooh boy.

Grr racism.

Mary, I hope you don't regret it.  But maybe it's not over!

My heart is breaking for Anna and Mr. Bates.  Everyone knows something is wrong with Anna -- when will two and two come together?

Poor Daisy.

Next up -- Sherlock!
Fin.
Love&Harmony,
Erin


Sunday, January 5, 2014

Downton Abbey Season 4!

Downton Abbey season 4 premiered tonight, for the U.S. !!!  It sucks being behind the UK in that regard, but I don't believe in cheating when it comes to Downton or Sherlock.  They give me something to look forward to for January when the weather is grey and dreary.  More specifically, they give me emotional schizophrenia... but it sure is exciting.

So, season 4, episode 1.  It was a relief not to be dragged through some sort of devastating heartbreak (the season 3 finale was quite enough, thank you!) though it was certainly re-lived via Lady "Zombie" Mary.  Michelle Dockery has certainly mastered the stone-cold statue look.  However, it was easy to suffer some emotional whiplash with all of the new beginnings of scandal - especially in the downstairs of all places!

I'm not going to go crazy into detail in case anyone reading (...anyone?) cares about spoilers.  But I will say that my bad inklings about the lady's maid Edna are absolutely right.  There's a new O'Brian in town -- that didn't take long at all.  (Really, Lady Cora, are you so naive?!) I'm curious about Cousin Rose.  She always seems up to something, but she seemed to have just the right amount of romantic adventure and close it out before the end of the two hours.  Nothing is ever that simple though, so we'll see.  I hope that Edith is finally getting some happy days, but her romantic stars seem forever crossed.  I have a bad feeling that Germany is not going to to over well and that a bad decision may have been made that will lead to some complicated -what else?! - happenings.  I think I'm not alone in feeling that Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson are probably my favorite characters and Mrs. Hughes is the particular heroine in this week's episode.  All she ever wants is the best for everyone around her, even when they aren't sure of what that is themselves.  Of course, cue the teary eyes when Lady Mary finally breaks through her hardened exterior in Mr. Carson's arms.  And I will always, always, always want to punch Mr. Barrow in the face.  I swear that man has just one good bone in his body and it's his pinky toe.


Whew, ok!  I think this is going to be the theme of Sunday posts until the season is out - it's a good decompression method.  :)  Woohoo Downton!!  And Sherlock on the 19th!!

Here's to the best month for PBS ratings!
Love&Harmony,
Erin