Remains of the Day

Just finished reading the book. It based mainly on the oral history presented by the three generals--their personal experiences of the pre-revolution and the post-revolution times. There're lots of less-heard anecdotes, but the most interesting part is when they talk about the problems faced by the Cuban society nowadays. 1959 was not an end. Despite all the marvellous progresses that the Cuban people have made since the triumph of the revolution, struggles still continue.

Evelyn Glennie, a brilliant percussionist, has lost her hearing since the age of 12, but she managed to "hear" with other parts of her body. I didn't plan to watch this documentary tonight. I got home, I turned on the TV as I was too tired to do anything else. Wanting to shut my brain off, I pressed the button. But she was improvising, rubbing a metal disk against a bow. Next, she was rubbing a large metal plane, producing some very interesting sound. I was deeply touched by her notion of music. Silence is the loudest and the heaviest sound, she said. Most people just don't notice. Breathing in and breathing out, and I'm listening.

"However, ‘certified organic does not mean ecologically sustainable’ – sustainability would involve the recycling of nutrients and developing strategies concerning products exported outside of the country ..." Cited from "Cuba Sustainable Agriculture Study Tour May 21 - 30, 2003 Sponsored by Washington State University Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources Led by Food First " Interesting. I got to think about that.

I didn't instantly fall in love with their music when I first listen to Metric. I thought the vocal was too soft, not powerful. But then I found "Grow Up and Blow Away" on YouTube, and many songs in this album went into my playlist. The whole album is great. The lyrics are rather poetic and full of imagery.  If I were given a chance, I would love to do" white gold" at least once in public. I would probably setup a red table at the middle of the stage with a projector on the side. I picture myself sitting behind the table, singing calmly. I'm so happy that I discovered another great Canadian band. Now I listen to them everyday. Thanks ant.

This piece resembles Amano Yoshitaka's style, which I admire.