The Reviewist

Quick news update for the 6 people who regularly visit the site.  We have brought on two more writers, and they are currently working on their initial posts.

Heads up for more in the near future.

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Bagpipes.

Yes, it was hilarious when the piper on “So I Married and Axe Murderer” played “If you think I’m sexy”, but you sound like a tool when you ask that.  It was years and years ago, so just stop.  And yes, we wear kilts when we compete and perform.  They aren’t skirts, they aren’t dresses, they’re kilts and they all cost 500-600 dollars and are made of 9 yards of material and weigh several pounds each.  Yes, we wear underwear too.   Stop asking ridiculous questions.

Anyways…

The bagpipes are one of the oldest instruments we know of.  There are hundreds of different versions, and they all have a different tone, and come from a different part of the world.  Actually, the only peoples I can think of that didn’t develop some sort of instrument that used a reservoir to hold air while playing were the Native Americans and Native Australians (HA…PC at it’s finest).

Now, instead of starting you off with something more traditional (we’ll get there though, don’t worry), I decided to go with a really unique tune.  It’s an adaptation of the famous “Cannon in D” by Pachelbel, and I had previously never heard anything like it.

It’s performed here by Simon Fraser University Pipe Band (a 5 time World Champion at this time of this writing).  Simon Fraser was the first grade 1 (Highest level) band that I ever saw in person.

Previous to that moment, I felt like a lot of you do about the bagpipes.  Bagpipes are interesting, but what is the point?

Well…then I heard 17 pipers and 6 snare drummers and 4 tenor drummers (if I remember correctly) and a bass drummer all playing together PERFECTLY, in person.  It will always be one of the most memorable experiences in my life.  It was then that my perspective changed completely.  It cannot be described…the power was absolutely amazing.  After that day I have no doubts why the British put a ban on the use of the “Great Highland Bagpipe” centuries ago.  The moral boost for the ally, and shear terror it must have produced in the enemy could easily have changed the flow of a battle.  If you ever have a chance to see a good pipe band playing, do it.  You will not regret it.  There are festivals all over the world every summer, and they are a blast.

I hope you enjoy this, as it is a little different than what can normally be found out there.  I will be sure to hit on something a little more traditional in the future, so you can compare and see just how cool this really is.

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Oh snap…we’re back!  No, we wont apologize for being gone.  But we’re sorry….all 10 people who read us regularly were apparently on the verge of caring!  OH NO!  Well, it matters not now.  We have returned, and we are starting with a little piece of awesome.

You probably didn’t get a chance to read our mammoth interview with Chris Robley a few months ago…which is too bad.  Dude was way cool, and Dan got a special gold star of aptitudes for finding that group.  Turns out Dan needs to be given the special Sash of Wonder too…because he found another band with Chris Robley doing some fine, fine songstering.  This group is called “The Sort Ofs” and their sound is really cool.

The Sort Ofs are a group comprised of Chris Robley on vocals (and writing) and John Stewart (not that one) on the drums/all things percussion.  The rest of the group is comprised of Portland musicians who have a fine dandy time being awesome.

Listen for some of the interesting chord progressions again!  Especially when you get into the chorus. this particular song throws some curve balls.  LISTEN to it…pay attention and you will see what we mean.  Beyond the interesting chords, The Sort Ofs are not nearly as creative with their instruments as Chris Robley was with his other groups.  But that’s OK, as The Sort Ofs are aiming for a more mainstream group.  It’s certainly fun to listen to.   Enjoy!