Let's get this out of the way first: Christina Aguilera looked like a goth version of Donatella Versace. Sort of a less orange, sleeve-wearing Donatella. I'm not a conservative (um, am I?), a traditionalist, or a flag waver. But...if you're been selected for a great ritual that unifies millions of people, show a little respect. Don't look like a flesh-eating zombie (that black, black dress and that red, red mouth. Scary). Our national anthem has meaning to the players. Some of them appeared deeply sentimental; like they were going to cry during it, and it's not just because you, Christina Aguilera, screwed up entire sentences. Whole sentences omitted and / or combined. "What's so proudly we watched..."
No, we didn't.
What irks me about most singers singing SSB is those singers doing those vocal acrobatic antics that no average person can do, much less even try to sing along. No wonder we don't know the words too well.
ReplyDeleteI am in favor of a new national anthem, really. Like if that's going to happen.
I agree about the vocal acrobatics. They're kind of like putting bechamel sauce on a burger. Better without.
ReplyDeleteI like our venerable, frumpy anthem. But perhaps those who want a new one should have a contest to create it. Entries could consist of even a single line. Would be interesting to see what people want in their anthem.
I love our anthem too, in part because it has such an interesting history. I'm sure you are aware of "To Anachrion in Heaven", a fraternity hymn which is still used in the UK. Please go back and look at the words. As I understand the Sons of Anachrion are a boys music frat. Even more interesting...if you go back and look at what was used before 1931 as the de facto anthem it was "Hail Columbia", and we will all still recognize part of the melody, please listen to it:) alsalleycats.blogspot.com or alzim@email.com
ReplyDeleteAlan, thank you for the interesting info about our national anthem. I'd like to say I already knew it, but I didn't.
ReplyDeleteI spelled it wrong, it's "Anacreon" in the original song. It was written for the Greek philosopher.
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