Author: theseventhsphinx

Posted on

on repeat : Luther Vandross

This track has completely charmed me. OK, the narrative boils down to: I told a girl I loved her and she said loves me back (though things are a bit hazy, maybe at first she didn’t but there was some crying and now it seems she does). Making me so happy, I must sing. With trumpets.

It has that innocent, 80s bounciness I always go for, as if it so easily could have been Whitney Houston singing here.* 1982.

Also, how handsome is Luther Vandross and his gigantic smile?

I love at the end (4:25) where he repeats: this man is a doctor, this man is a doctor. Really, though. I suppose it’s a sexy metaphor but I just like the lines, coming out of nowhere. I need a doctor, I think, is what he’s getting at.

[Mental note to make an appointment with the dermatologist. Where would I be without you, Luther?]

*Speaking of. My favorite song ca. 14 years old (and do I like it any less now? Uhhm. No.)

How will I know? Good old Whitney, asking the hard questions.

[This video, however, I cannot even remotely get a handle on.]

I’m going to have to alternate between the two of these now.

 

 

Posted on

Shakespeare on the Common

“Better a witty fool, than a foolish wit.” 
                                        ― William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night

This was the 19th year of Shakespeare on the Common, a Boston tradition that is well worth attending. This year’s performance was Twelfth Night, a favorite of mine.* It’s a wonderfully knotty comedy of errors with no shortage of great lines.

*Check out the film adaptation with Ben Kingsley and Helena Bonham Carter – very good.

14684364960_d194dcc6e1_o

Loving this necklace of turquoise jawbreakers. 

It’s a fun event, especially if you have the time to arrive early (ideally an hour and a half, at least) and get a good spot on the grass. Bring a picnic, watch the crowds (it’s a hearty, appreciative, reliable crowd), take in a little Shakespeare…it’s a good time.

I’ve been nearly every year for the last 6 or so years, sometimes going twice in one summer. It’s always good—consistently interesting and innovative staging and interpretations—and occasionally exceptional (Othello a few years ago was phenomenal).

14684371690_954ce88fce_o

My expression is so much like that of my mother in this photo. The architecture of my face is very like hers, will have to show you a photo.

photos by Chris Bennett (thanks, Chris!)